Tunisian-style tuna and cheese pudding

Tunisian-Style Tuna and Cheese Pudding

If you are looking for a delicious, hearty recipe with a touch of exoticism, Tunisian-style tuna and cheese pudding is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the intense flavors of cheese with the delicate taste of tuna, all wrapped in a perfect pasta texture. It is a versatile dish that can be served at an elegant dinner or a casual lunch. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 300 g of pasta in the shape of penne, farfalle, or fusilli
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 300 g of yellow cheese (ideally cheddar or emmental)
- 250 g of cottage cheese or soft cheese
- 250 g of cooking cream
- 2 cans of 160 g tuna (freshly drained of oil, preferably tuna in water)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of harissa (spicy pepper paste)
- 1/2 cup of black olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup of preserved lemons, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Soft butter, for greasing the pan

A Touch of History

Tunisian-style tuna and cheese pudding blends Mediterranean influences with local culinary traditions, creating a savory and comforting dish. This recipe reflects the rich gastronomic culture that values simple yet flavorful ingredients, bringing them to life through accessible cooking techniques. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or as a hearty dish for the whole family, this pudding will quickly become a favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking of your pudding.

2. Prepare the pan: Take a 35x25 cm baking dish and generously grease it with soft butter. This step will prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan and will help achieve a golden crust.

3. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add salted water and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and mix with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, add the eggs, grated yellow cheese, cottage cheese, cream, drained tuna, diced onion, harissa, olives, and preserved lemons. Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.

5. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese and tuna mixture, gently mixing to avoid breaking the pasta. Ensure that the entire mixture is evenly distributed.

6. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and firm to the touch.

7. Serve: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad to complete the meal.

Practical Tips

- Choosing pasta: You can experiment with different types of pasta, but make sure to choose pasta that holds up well during baking.
- Cheeses: The variety of cheeses used can influence the final taste of the pudding. You can add feta cheese for a saltier flavor or mozzarella for a softer texture.
- Olives and preserved lemons: These ingredients add a burst of flavor and acidity to the pudding but can be omitted or replaced with other preferred ingredients.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace the tuna with sautéed vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This pudding is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and tuna, while the cheese provides calcium and other essential nutrients. A serving has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a hearty dish, ideal for providing energy throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh tuna? Yes, fresh tuna can be an excellent option, but make sure it is well cooked before adding it to the mixture.
- What other dishes can I serve alongside this pudding? A fresh green salad or a tomato salad with red onion are excellent choices to balance the rich taste of the pudding.
- Can I freeze the pudding? Yes, the pudding can be frozen, but it is best enjoyed fresh to benefit from its ideal texture.

A Unique Detail

I recommend adding some fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, to the cheese mixture for an extra touch of freshness. These will not only enrich the flavor but also add a splash of color to the dish.

In conclusion, Tunisian-style tuna and cheese pudding is an easy-to-make recipe, full of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Quantities for a tray of 35x25: 300 g of pasta (penne, farfalle), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 eggs, 300 g of yellow cheese, 250 g of cottage cheese or soft cheese, 250 g of cooking cream, 2 cans of 160 g of tuna drained of oil (preferably tuna in water), 1 medium onion chopped into cubes, 1 tablespoon of harissa (spicy pepper paste), 1/2 cup of black olives chopped, 1/2 cup of pickled lemons chopped - not mandatory, salt, pepper, soft butter for greasing the tray.