Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay
The Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay is a tantalizing dish that features a unique blend of flavors, with the key ingredient being virgin coconut oil, which infuses the mornay sauce with a subtle tropical essence. This comforting meal, enriched with a variety of cheeses and flavored with Dijon mustard, promises to transport your taste buds to the islands, offering a culinary experience that stands out from traditional versions of the dish.
Prep Time
This recipe serves 4 people.
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Servings
30 minutes
Ingredients
- Virgin coconut oil: 1 tablespoon (tbs) (15 ml)
- Plain flour: 1 tablespoon (tbs) (15 g)
- Powdered milk: 1 cup (240 ml when reconstituted)
- Parmesan cheese (powdered): 1/4 cup (22 g)
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (tsp) (5 ml)
- Optional cheddar cheese (grated): 1/2 cup (50 g)
- Pasta shells: 500 grams (17.6 oz)
- Tuna (flaked): 2 cans (each can 5 oz or 142 g, total 10 oz or 284 g)
- Salt: To taste (approx. 1 tsp or 5 ml)
- Pepper: To taste (approx. 1/2 tsp or 2.5 ml)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): 1/4 cup chopped (15 g)
- Optional: Garlic Bread and Side Salad
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 500g of pasta shells and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well.
- In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring until smooth to make a roux.
- Gradually add 1 cup of reconstituted powdered milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of powdered Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 cup of optional grated cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold the flaked tuna and cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
The Island-Style Tuna Pasta Mornay is a delightful twist on a classic dish, incorporating exotic coconut oil and a blend of cheeses for a rich, creamy texture. With its unique flavors and comforting nature, this dish is perfect for those looking to add a touch of the islands to their dinner table. It’s a satisfying meal that promises warmth and comfort in every bite, making it an excellent choice for any day of the week.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 8 g