Gratinated tuna

Delicious Gratinated Tuna Recipe

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe that will impress family and friends, gratinated tuna is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the delicate texture of tuna with a creamy sauce and a golden crust, transforming a simple ingredient into a true feast. With a preparation time of 20 minutes and a baking time of 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a weekly dinner or a special lunch. Here's how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients for 4 servings:
- 2 cans of tuna in oil (about 400 g)
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional for a stronger taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the sauce:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly golden crust.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure not to let it brown, just melt it completely.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter and mix well with a spatula or whisk. This will result in a paste called roux, which will give the sauce thickness.
4. Turn off the heat and gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Put the saucepan back on the heat and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. If you want a stronger taste, add the mustard at this stage.
5. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, then incorporate half of the grated cheese into the sauce, leaving the rest to sprinkle on top.

Assembling the dish:
6. In a baking dish, drain the tuna from the cans and evenly distribute it on the bottom of the dish. You can use tuna in oil for a richer flavor, but tuna in water is a lighter option.
7. Pour the creamy sauce over the tuna, ensuring that all pieces are evenly covered. This will add a delicious layer of flavor and moisture to the dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to achieve a crispy and golden crust.

Baking:
9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbles nicely. This is the perfect time to prepare a green salad or mashed potatoes as a side dish.

Serving:
10. Once the gratinated tuna is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Suggestions and variations:
- For a healthier option, you can use tuna in water and light cheese.
- If you desire a spicier taste, add chopped chili pepper or a dash of Tabasco sauce to the cheese sauce.
- You can experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano to customize your sauce.

Gratinated tuna is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that can quickly become a family favorite. Try this simple recipe and enjoy a delicious dish, perfect for any occasion!

 Ingredients: 25g butter, 25g flour, 300ml milk, 50g grated cheese, 200g tuna in oil, 325g canned corn, salt, pepper, 2 tomatoes, 70g crushed toasted bread.