Delicious Tunisian Prawn Spaghetti You Need to Try!

Alright, so let’s talk about this amazing dish that’s been a hit in my family for ages—Tunisian prawn spaghetti. Imagine rich, juicy prawns swimming in a savory tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The spices dance around, and the aroma fills the kitchen—it’s just incredible. You’ve got the slightly tangy notes of lemon, the freshness of herbs, and the warmth from spices that give it a real kick. It’s not just food; it’s something that brings people together, you know? Great for cozy dinners or catching up with friends over a relaxed meal.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Totally satisfying—like a hug on a plate!
• Fresh and vibrant flavors that just pop in your mouth.
• The prawns are tender and cooked just right, no rubbery bites here.
• It’s quick to whip up; you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
• Perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Honestly, my family fights over the last spoonful… it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• Spaghetti: 300g, the star of the show, make sure it’s good quality!
• Prawns: 300g, fresh or frozen—just thaw if frozen!
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing, because we love that flavor.
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped, it adds a lovely base.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, because who doesn’t love garlic?
• Red chili flakes: 1 teaspoon, or more if you’re feeling spicy.
• Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, it brings warmth to the dish.
• Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon, for a nice aromatic touch.
• Canned cherry tomatoes: 400g, they make a luscious sauce.
• Fresh parsley: a small bunch, chopped, to freshen things up.
• Lemon: 1, zested and juiced, for that bright zing.
• Salt and pepper: to taste, the basic but crucial seasonings.

Easy How-To

Get Ready to Cook

So first things first, you’ll want to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to roll. Chop your onion, mince that garlic—it’s gonna smell amazing—get your prawns ready, and if you’re using fresh ones, make sure they’re nice and clean, you know? It’s all about that good start!

Cook the Pasta

Grab a large pot, fill it with salted water, and bring it to a boil. Toss in your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that’s just a fancy way of saying firm to the bite. You’ll want to drain it, but hold onto a cup of that cooking water for later… trust me on this!

Sauté the Base

Now, in your biggest frying pan, add olive oil and let it heat up over medium. Once it’s nice and warm, throw in that chopped onion and garlic. Stir it a bit until it starts to soften and smell really good—maybe about 3-5 minutes. You want them to be golden, not burnt!

Bring in the Prawns

Next up, it’s time to add the prawns. Just toss them into the pan and give them a nice stir. Cook for a few minutes until they turn that beautiful pink color—don’t overdo it, or they’ll turn tough. Keep an eye on them!

Spice It Up

Sprinkle in your chili flakes, cumin, and coriander. Stir all that around, let the spices mingle and come alive for a minute. Then, add those canned cherry tomatoes—yum! They’ll make the most delicious sauce. Make sure to season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Combine and Toss

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Add your cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss everything together. If it looks too dry, slowly add some of that reserved pasta water till it’s just right. You want a nice, saucy consistency that clings to the pasta.

Finish and Serve

Give it a taste—now’s the time to adjust anything you feel it needs, maybe more lemon juice or herbs? Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or even a squeeze more lemon on top—so good!

Good to Know

• If you’re not a prawn person, you can swap them for chicken or even chickpeas for a veggie twist.
• Adjust the chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance; start small if you’re unsure.
• This dish is great for leftovers—just store in the fridge and reheat gently.

Serving Ideas

• Pair this up with a light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up that yummy sauce.

Top Tricks

• Use fresh herbs for a boost of flavor right at the end—totally elevates the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them out first, and you’ll be good to go. They cook just as nicely!

What type of pasta is best?

Spaghetti works like a charm here, but if you fancy something else like linguine or fettuccine, go ahead and switch it up.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, do it slowly to avoid overcooking the prawns.

Is there a way to make it vegetarian?

Totally! Just swap the prawns for any mix of veggies you love, maybe some zucchini or bell peppers, and you’re set!

What should I serve with this dish?

A simple side salad or some warm bread to soak up that flavorful sauce is perfect!

Conclusion

This Tunisian prawn spaghetti is honestly a fabulous celebration of flavors—zesty, fresh, and so hearty. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to larger gatherings where you want to impress. Plus, it brings everyone to the table and keeps them smiling, which is what we all want, right?

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This one features plump shrimp sautéed with garlic and a splash of lemon—simple, yet delightful.

Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta

If you like things hot, give this spicy tomato sauce a whirl; it’s got a nice kick!

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Veggies

A wonderful mix of creamy pesto and seasonal veggies for something colorful and satisfying.

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

This is perfect for summertime; crisp and refreshing, it’ll have everyone asking for more.

Seafood Linguine

If you’re a seafood lover, this is a must-try; it’s a beautiful blend of flavors.

Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles

Need something quick? Stir fry your fave veggies with noodles for a lovely, healthy meal.