Linguine with Tuna and Arugula

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Shirley Allen of West Hills, California for this one:

A guy comes into a roadside diner and places his order. He says, "I
want three flat tires and a pair of headlights."

The waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, goes to the kitchen and
asks the cook, "This guy out there just ordered three flat tires and a
pair of headlights. Where does he think this is, an auto parts
store?"

"No," the cook says. "Three flat tires means three pancakes, and a
pair of headlights is two eggs, sunny side up."

"Oh," says the waitress. She thinks about this and then spoons up a
bowl of beans and gives it to the customer.

The guy says, "What are the beans for?"

The waitress replies, "I thought while you were waiting for the flat
tires and headlights, that you might want to gas up."

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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My parents, who are otherwise exceptionally intelligent and rational
people, aren't fond of seafood and pasta combinations, yet they both
like that old condensed cream of mushroom glop tuna casserole thing.
Go figure. The next time you get a craving for tuna casserole, please
try this dish instead.

Linguine with Tuna and Arugula

1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
1-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (6 oz, 170 g) tuna, preferably Italian tuna
packed in olive oil, drained
3 Tbs (45 ml) lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Hot red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
1 lb (450 g) linguine or other noodle, cooked according
to package directions and drained
1 bunch arugula (rocket), trimmed and coarsely chopped

Heat the oil in a skillet over moderate heat and saute the onion and
bell pepper until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the
garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the tuna, lemon juice, salt,
pepper, and optional pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Toss with
the cooked linguine and arugula and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Sat Apr 10 10:13:08 2004