tuna and tomato sauce

i know, it sounds weird. but honestly, tomato sauce (or marinara) with tuna in it is so delicious, and is pretty common in italy. it's important to get the tuna packed in olive oil, as it imparts a nice flavor to the sauce. the tuna also adds protein to the sauce, making this a more substantial meal. this quick marinara is one i rely heavily upon for weeknight meals, and it's never failed me.

serve this over whole wheat spaghetti for a simple weeknight dinner, and prepare to be wowed at how good tuna and tomato sauce really is!

ingredients:
1/2 large onion, finely diced
2 large bunches of basil, leaves sliced and stems chopped
salt
olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, very thinly sliced
2 cans san marzano tomatoes (28 oz. each)
2 cans tuna in olive oil (6 oz. each)
1 tsp za'atar powder

directions:
to prep: finely dice your onion, chop your basil stems and slice your basil leaves, and very thinly slice your garlic.

add olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) to a large pan and saute the onion, basil stems, and garlic over medium heat until soft. add the tomatoes (be sure to pick through these with your fingers and pull out any skins and any of the basil they pack them with) and their juices and break them up with the back of a wooden spoon. add the za'atar powder and them simmer for about ten minutes. drain the tuna and add it to the tomato sauce, being careful to leave some large chunks intact. turn off the heat, and add in the basil leaves, taste and season if needed. serve over pasta and enjoy!

notes:
pasta...you really can't go wrong with pasta, especially when it's being served with a sauce this good. most people really enjoy a nice homemade tomato sauce which takes like 15 minutes start to finish, so why use jarred sauces? the tuna is really what sets this apart though...even the kids will love it.