Spicy Tunisian Penne with Merguez
Indulge in this flavorful Spicy Tunisian Penne with Merguez, a perfect blend of robust spices and savory sausage that will transport your palate to North Africa. This dish combines al dente penne with a vibrant sauce made from sautéed onions, spicy merguez or chorizo sausages, and rich tomato paste, all simmered in a fragrant chicken broth. Each bite is garnished with fresh parsley, adding a burst of color and flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends, this recipe captures the essence of Tunisian cuisine in every mouthful.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne or short pasta
375 g (uncooked)
Onions
2 (minced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Merguez sausages or fresh chorizo sausage
350 g (cut into 1-inch diagonal sections)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Chicken broth
1 cup (for simmering)
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Add the sliced sausages to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, enabling the sausages to absorb the flavors.
6
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7
Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, and taste to adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8
Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tunisian Penne with Merguez?
It is a flavorful North African inspired pasta dish featuring al dente penne, spicy merguez or chorizo sausages, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 375 grams of penne or any short pasta.
What are Merguez sausages?
Merguez are spicy North African sausages usually made from lamb or beef, known for their robust spices.
Can I substitute Merguez with another sausage?
Yes, fresh chorizo sausage is a recommended alternative if Merguez is unavailable.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should the onions be prepared?
Two onions should be minced and then sautéed until translucent and fragrant.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the sausages be cut?
The sausages should be cut into 1-inch diagonal sections.
How long do the sausages need to cook?
The sausages should be browned and cooked through for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used to create a rich, concentrated sauce base.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chicken broth.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the sausages to absorb the flavors.
When should the parsley be added?
Fresh chopped parsley is stirred in after the skillet is removed from heat and also used as a final garnish.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after boiling?
After draining the penne, toss it with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the use of Merguez or chorizo along with traditional Tunisian flavors makes this a spicy dish.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley is recommended for a burst of color and flavor, but dried can be used if necessary, though in a smaller amount.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I prepare the penne?
Bring salted water to a boil and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Is this dish suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight dinner that is also impressive enough for friends.
How do I meld the flavors of the tomato paste?
Stir the tomato paste into the skillet with sausages and cook for an additional minute before adding the broth.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Penne dishes.
Are there specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include Tunisian, pasta, penne, merguez, chorizo, spicy, Mediterranean, quick dinner, and comfort food.
What is the texture of the penne?
The penne should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?
While chicken broth is specified, beef broth or even vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Do I need to add salt to the pasta water?
Yes, it is recommended to bring salted water to a boil for the penne.
What gives the dish its North African transportive quality?
The combination of robust spices from the merguez and the rich tomato-based sauce captures the essence of Tunisian cuisine.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served warm and garnished with extra parsley if desired.