Italian tuna balls

Vegetarian
Dairy Free
Popular
Health score
25%
Italian tuna balls
20 min.
4
1176kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a delightful and wholesome meal that combines the bold flavors of Italy with the goodness of tuna, look no further than these Italian Tuna Balls! Perfectly suited for a quick lunch, main dish, or even a cozy dinner, these flavorful bites embody both convenience and taste. In just 20 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal that serves up to four people, making it ideal for family gatherings or dinner with friends.

What’s great about this recipe is its versatility. Not only is it vegetarian and dairy-free, but it also features healthy ingredients like fresh parsley and zesty lemon, bringing freshness and vibrancy to the dish. The tuna, mixed with crunchy pine nuts and coated with crispy breadcrumbs, creates a delightful texture that will leave your taste buds dancing. Pair these delicious tuna balls with al dente spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying and nourishing meal that's full of depth and flavor.

Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress, these Italian Tuna Balls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and prepare to enjoy a taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredients

  • 320 olive oil drained canned (reserve a little oil)
  • small handful pinenuts 
  •  lemon zest freshly grated
  • small handful parsley roughly chopped
  • 50 breadcrumbs fresh
  •  eggs beaten
  • 400 pasta like spaghetti 
  • 500 pasta sauce 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan

Directions

  1. Flake the tuna into a bowl, then tip in the pine nuts, lemon zest, parsley, breadcrumbs and egg. Season and mix together with your hands until completely combined.
  2. Roll the mix into 12 walnut-size balls. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil, then cook the spaghetti according to pack instructions.
  3. Heat a little of the tuna oil in a large non-stick frying pan, then fry the tuna balls for 5 mins, turning every minute or so until completely golden.
  4. Drain on kitchen paper.
  5. Heat the tomato sauce, then toss together with the pasta and tuna balls.

Nutrition Facts

Calories1176kcal
Protein5.96%
Fat63.49%
Carbs30.55%

Properties

Glycemic Index
29.75
Glycemic Load
32.17
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
25.683478334676%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
2.23mg
Luteolin
0.11mg
Kaempferol
0.01mg
Myricetin
0.15mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:1176.05kcal
58.8%
Fat:83.78g
128.89%
Saturated Fat:11.88g
74.23%
Carbohydrates:90.72g
30.24%
Net Carbohydrates:84.88g
30.87%
Sugar:8.02g
8.91%
Cholesterol:40.92mg
13.64%
Sodium:707.88mg
30.78%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:17.68g
35.36%
Selenium:70.49µg
100.7%
Vitamin E:13.59mg
90.6%
Vitamin K:69.15µg
65.86%
Manganese:1.19mg
59.62%
Phosphorus:267.35mg
26.74%
Copper:0.48mg
23.94%
Fiber:5.84g
23.35%
Iron:3.83mg
21.29%
Magnesium:79.8mg
19.95%
Vitamin B3:3.81mg
19.03%
Potassium:644.16mg
18.4%
Vitamin B1:0.25mg
16.53%
Vitamin B6:0.3mg
15.1%
Vitamin C:12.02mg
14.57%
Vitamin B2:0.24mg
14.39%
Vitamin A:685.71IU
13.71%
Zinc:2.04mg
13.59%
Folate:49.6µg
12.4%
Vitamin B5:1.06mg
10.64%
Calcium:71.76mg
7.18%
Vitamin B12:0.14µg
2.36%
Vitamin D:0.22µg
1.47%