Linguine with Tuna, Walnuts, Lemon, and Herbs

In a small frying pan, toast the walnuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast them in a 350° oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the tuna and its oil and break up the tuna with a fork. Remove from the heat. Toss the linguine with the tuna mixture, the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, herbs, and the toasted walnuts.

Canned Tuna

Brands of tuna vary tremendously. Here we use tuna packed in oil (preferably olive oil),and we count on that oil as part of the sauce. If your tuna has less than one and a half tablespoons oil per can, add more olive oil to make up the difference.