Tricolor fusilli with surimi

Tricolor fusilli with surimi: a vibrant and flavorful recipe

Have you ever thought about how simple it can be to prepare a delicious meal, full of color and taste, in just a few minutes? Tricolor fusilli with surimi is the perfect recipe for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish not only looks good, but it is also extremely tasty, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 2-3

A bit of history

Pasta is a staple food in many culinary cultures around the world, and fusilli, with its spiral shape, is known for its ability to hold delicious sauces. Surimi, on the other hand, is a popular ingredient in seafood dishes, with a fine texture and delicate flavor. This combination of colorful pasta and surimi offers not only an explosion of colors on the plate but also a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients

- 300 g tricolor fusilli (for a colorful meal)
- 1 medium onion (for a touch of sweetness)
- 3 garlic cloves (for intense flavor)
- 150 g frozen surimi (thawed and chopped)
- 50-100 g grated cheese (optional, but recommended for cheese lovers)
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (or homemade ketchup for a sweeter taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for added flavor)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking and serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste (to balance the flavors)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Boil the water: Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a teaspoon of salt. Place it over medium heat until the water starts to boil. This will be the perfect base for your pasta.

2. Cook the fusilli: Once the water is boiling, add the tricolor fusilli. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually between 8-9 minutes, until they are al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!

3. Prepare the ingredients: Meanwhile, thaw the surimi if necessary and cut it into pieces about the thickness of a finger. Finely chop the onion and prepare the garlic for crushing.

4. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a sweet and tempting flavor to your dish.

5. Add the sauce: Crush the canned tomatoes (or homemade ketchup) and add it over the sautéed onion. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.

6. Season: Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.

7. Finish the pasta: Once the fusilli are ready, drain them but keep about 50 ml of the cooking water. Add the fusilli to the skillet over the tomato sauce, along with the reserved water. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

8. Add surimi and garlic: Finally, add the crushed garlic and the pieces of surimi. Turn off the heat and gently mix everything to avoid breaking the texture of the ingredients. Let the flavors combine for a few minutes.

9. Serve: Plate the fusilli and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top. If you choose to add cheese, grate it generously over the pasta, and for a finishing touch, sprinkle a bit of thyme.

10. Enjoy: Your dish is now ready! I recommend serving it immediately, alongside a fresh green salad or a crunchy baguette.

Tips and variations

- Vary the ingredients: You can replace surimi with smoked salmon or shrimp for a different flavor dimension. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, which pair perfectly with the pasta.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of canned tomatoes, you can try a white sauce based on sour cream or a pesto for a Mediterranean touch.
- Enrich with herbs: A handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil would add a splash of freshness to the dish.

Nutritional benefits

This surimi fusilli recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Whole grain pasta provides complex carbohydrates that help you gain energy, and surimi is a good source of protein, being low in fat. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain fusilli is an excellent choice for a healthier meal.

2. Is this recipe suitable for an office lunch?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to transport and can be enjoyed both warm and cold.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent options to accompany this meal.

Tricolor fusilli with surimi is a quick, simple, and flavorful recipe that can quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather the ingredients, enjoy the cooking process, and savor every bite!