Canned tuna is often overlooked as a pantry staple, but it can be transformed into a delicious and budget-friendly dinner that will surprise you with its flavor and simplicity. This recipe combines the savory taste of tuna with the comforting textures of potatoes and melted cheese, making it a perfect dish for any night of the week. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering meal with just a few basic ingredients.
Canned tuna is an affordable and versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. This recipe is a perfect example of how you can turn simple, inexpensive ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful dinner. With layers of tender potatoes, savory tuna, and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Two cans of tuna in brine, thoroughly drained
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 180 ml (6 fl oz) hot milk
- 20 g (0.7 oz) butter
- 60 grams (2 ounces) of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preparing the Ingredients
- Slice the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the dish.
- Chop the Onion: Finely chop the onion and set it aside. The onion will add a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
- Cooking the Onions and Tuna
- Sauté the Onions: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Incorporate the finely chopped onion into the pan and cook until it turns soft and translucent.
- Add the Tuna and Tomato Paste: Once the onions are ready, stir in the drained tuna and the tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assembling the Dish
- Layer the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes. Sprinkle the potatoes with a touch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Add the Tuna Mixture: Spoon half of the tuna and onion mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining tuna mixture, and finish with a final layer of potatoes.
- Preparing the Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes and tuna in the baking dish. This will help keep the dish moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Baking
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish. The cheese will melt and form a delicious golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Serving
- Let it Rest: Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend harmoniously and makes serving simpler.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious meal that will make you appreciate the simplicity and versatility of canned tuna.
Conclusion
This canned tuna and potato bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying meal. With its layers of tender potatoes, flavorful tuna, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. The next time you’re looking for a budget-friendly and tasty dinner option, reach for those cans of tuna and give this recipe a try. You’ll be glad you did!