Linguine with Tuna, Walnuts, Lemon, and Herbs

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 pound linguine
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 6- ounces cans tuna packed in oil
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, and thyme

Preparation

1. 1. 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.
2. 2. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain.
3. 3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Wine Recommendation: Wines of Italy's Alto Adige show a strong Germanic influence due to the region's proximity to Switzerland. Try a flowery, lime-scented Müller-Thurgau for a refreshing change from the ordinary.