zoom
  • Print A4 A5
    • Close

    Save to your scrapbook

    Tuna Polpettine with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauce

    This will be saved to your scrapbook

    You can also add it to one of your existing cookbooks

    *mandatory
    • Audio recipe
      Close

      Audio recipe

      Tuna Polpettine with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauce

      Download the audio file.
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • t
    • Tuna Polpettine with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauce

    Tuna Polpettine with Cherry Tomato and Basil Sauce

    Polpettine is Italian for tiny meatballs, but this quick and easy version is made with tuna.

    • Preparation time: 25 minutes
    • Cooking time: 30 minutes
    • Total time: 55 minutes 55 minutes

    Serves: 4

    Ingredients

    • For the cherry tomato sauce
    • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
    • 2 x 395g cans Waitrose Italian Cherry Tomatoes
    • 2 tsp caster sugar
    • 25g pack fresh basil, roughly torn
    • For the tuna polpettine
    • 2 x 200g cans tuna steak in olive oil, drained
    • 100g fresh white breadcrumbs
    • 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
    • 2 salad onions, finely chopped
    • 1 medium egg, lightly beaten

    Method

    1. To make the cherry tomato sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Fry gently for 3-4 minutes, until the onion has softened and is translucent.
    2. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and sugar, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is thickened and glossy. Add half the basil and keep the sauce warm over a gentle heat.
    3. Meanwhile, place the tuna, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, salad onion and egg together in a large bowl and use a fork to combine. Using your hands, shape the mixture into about 16 balls, each one roughly the size of a walnut.
    4. Heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the tuna balls for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crisp and golden. Drain on kitchen paper before placing on top of a dish of pasta, such as tagliatelle, or rice. Pour the cherry tomato sauce over, garnish with the remaining basil and serve immediately.

    Your recipe note

    Edit your recipe note

    Cook's tips

    The polpettine and sauce can be prepared in advance and chilled. Reheat in the oven at 200°C, gas mark 6 for 20-30 minutes until piping hot.

    Comments

    Average user rating

    4 stars

    Glossary