Spaghetti aux Fruits de Mer
Tunisian Seafood Spaghetti
A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a rich tomato sauce with a medley of fresh seafood, infused with Tunisian spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Spaghetti
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 6 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Harissa paste(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Caraway seeds
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(optional)
- 1 cup Water or fish stock
- 500 g Mixed seafood(e.g., shrimp, mussels, calamari rings, small octopus pieces)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
💡 Tip: Don't overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce. - 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, harissa, paprika, coriander, caraway seeds, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well.
💡 Tip: Adjust harissa quantity based on your spice preference. - 4
Pour in the water or fish stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 5
Add the mixed seafood to the sauce. Cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through (shrimp turn pink, mussels open). Discard any unopened mussels.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough. - 6
Add the drained spaghetti and chopped parsley to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
💡 Tip: The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce. - 7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley.
💡 Tip: Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor.
- ✓If using octopus, ensure it's tenderized by simmering it for a longer period before adding other seafood.
- ✓A splash of white wine can be added with the tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of harissa or chili flakes.
- Use a different pasta shape like linguine or bucatini.