Tuna pie

Tuna Pie - A delicacy that is easy to prepare, perfect for moments when you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the savory filling of tuna and vegetables, creating a delicious dish that can be served both warm and cold.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5-65 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

A brief history of tuna pie
Pies with various fillings have been prepared throughout history, serving as an efficient way to use available ingredients. Tuna, a fish rich in protein and omega-3, has become a popular ingredient due to its versatility and distinct flavor. This tuna pie is a modern reinterpretation of traditional recipes, offering a healthy and delicious option.

Necessary ingredients
- 250-300 ml lukewarm milk
- 25 g fresh yeast (a small cube)
- 500 g flour
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 1 carrot
- 1 small onion
- 400 g canned tuna (in oil or water, as preferred)
- juice from half a lemon
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 50 g butter (for greasing and cubes)

Step by step

1. Preparing the starter
In a small bowl, crumble the yeast cube. Add a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of flour, and a little lukewarm milk. Mix well until you get a homogeneous composition, which should not be too liquid or too thick. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and set it aside to rise for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the vegetables
Peel the carrot, bell pepper, and onion. Chop them finely. In a large pan, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil and add the vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling
Drain the canned tuna and crumble it with a fork. Add the tuna over the sautéed vegetables, season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything well for an even distribution of flavors.

4. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the prepared starter with the remaining flour. Gradually pour in the lukewarm milk and start kneading the dough. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and, when pressed with a finger, springs back to its original shape. This is the sign that it is ready.

5. Rising the dough
Grease a bowl with butter to prevent sticking. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Forming the pie
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two or three pieces, depending on the desired size of the rolls. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a sheet that is not too thin. In the center of the sheet, add the tuna filling, leaving a free space at the edges. On top of the filling, place a few cubes of butter for extra flavor. Roll the dough to form a roll, ensuring it is well sealed at the ends.

7. Second rising
Place the rolls in the baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased with butter. Let them rise for another 20 minutes before placing them in the oven.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting.

Practical tips
- For a healthier version, you can replace olive oil with coconut oil or add extra vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add spices like oregano, basil, or even a bit of chili to the filling.
- Serving: The tuna pie is served warm, but it is just as delicious cold. It can be accompanied by a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This tuna pie has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Tuna is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grain flour, if used, will increase the fiber intake, thus contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you will need to cook it before adding it to the filling.

2. How can I store the pie?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer container. When you want to prepare it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the instructions.

Now that you have all the information you need, all that's left is to start cooking! Tuna pie is perfect for a family dinner, a picnic, or a festive meal. Enjoy your meal!