Tunisian Pasta with Tuna and Anchovies (Makarouna Kadheba)

Name: Tunisian Pasta with Tuna and Anchovies (Makarouna Kadheba)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Tunisian
Ingredients: 0.5 Lbs Spaghetti; 3 Tbsp Tomato Paste; 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 Tbsp Harissa Paste; 2 Tbsp Olives, pitted, washed and sliced; 1-2 Tbsp Capers; 1 Tbsp Anchovies; 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic; 1 Tbsp Salt (for the pasta water); 1 Tsp Paprika; 1 Bay Leaf; 1 Can of Tuna Packed in Olive Oil; 1.5 Cups Hot Water

November 16, 2021

Tunisian Pasta with Tuna and Anchovies (Makarouna Kadheba)

Rated 4.5 stars by 2 users

Servings

2

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

This Tunisian pasta with tuna and anchovies is known as "Makarouna Kadheba" (مقرونة كذابة). This translates to “lying pasta” because of the absence of meats typically prepared with Tunisian tomato-based pastas (such as chicken, beef, lamb, and even seafood). This version is probably the most consumed one in the world of pastas that Tunisians eat as it’s cheap, quick, very easy, and is made up of the things Tunisians couldn’t possibly not have at home: harissa, olives, capers, anchovies, tomatoes, olive oil.

Ingredients

0.5 Lbs Spaghetti
3 Tbsp Tomato Paste
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Harissa Paste
2 Tbsp Olives, pitted, washed and sliced
1-2 Tbsp Capers
1 Tbsp Anchovies
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 Tbsp Salt (for the pasta water)
1 Tsp Paprika
1 Bay Leaf
1 Can of Tuna Packed in Olive Oil
1.5 Cups Hot Water

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Directions

In a large pan, add the olive oil, minced garlic, anchovies, and sauté on low heat for 3-5 min while stirring continuously.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Add the tomato paste and harissa paste to the pan and stir until it is all well incorporated.
Add the paprika, stir, then add 1.5 cups of hot water.
Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes on low-medium heat.
Add the olives and capers and stir into the sauce. Bring the heat down to low then let it simmer gently.
Once the pasta water starts boiling, add the spaghetti and cook for about 6 min or until it is almost (but not quite) cooked through.
Drain the pasta at the 6 min mark. If you are adding tuna, add it to the sauce now.
Add the pasta to the sauce.
Stir well so that the pasta cooks through and absorbs all the sauce.
Serve and enjoy ! 🍝