| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 340 | 20g | 3g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 8g | 23g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Spanish Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce
I first came across the Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce on my travels to Spain’s Catalonian coast. If the potpourri of aromatic herbs and luscious tomatoes wafting in the Spanish sun didn’t allure me enough, the sight of the locals savoring this comforting Spanish dish sealed the deal for me. My immediate instinct was to recreate this dish back in my Boston kitchen, giving it my personal touch while keeping its soul intact.
The Magic of Vegetable Tuna Pisto
The Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce is a melody of delightful fresh veggies, perfectly cooked tuna and a tangy tomato-caper sauce. The marriage of flavors brings out a rustic delicacy that is homely, yet distinct in taste. It’s a meal that resonates with the comfort of home-cooked food, yet echoes the magic of diverse flavors. It’s no less than a culinary masterpiece, bringing to your plate the taste of the land that has enchanted travelers and locals alike for centuries.
Worthy of a Celebration
The way the tuna integrates into a potpourri of zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, comforted in a full-bodied sauce breathing paprika and robust olive oil, it’s apt for a simple family dinner and a fancy party. It pairs wonderfully well with Spanish rice dishes that pack a punch of flavors.
This Spanish recipe reminds me of the comforting Irish stews my grandparents used to make. Drawing on my Irish heritage and my penchant for New England seafood, I’ve been able to create a pleasing blend of Spanish and Irish notes in this dish. This recipe, therefore, isn’t just a dish for me but an ode to the wonderful mix of cultures and tastes I’ve been lucky to grow up with.
While this particular recipe wasn’t inspired by a specific chef, I am deeply moved by chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s style. His playful use of vegetables and impeccable balance of flavours remind me of the delightful Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce. Do check out his work here.
A steaming bowl of Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce never fails to transport me right back to that rustic Spanish restaurant by the sea. It’s a wholesome, comforting and heartening Spanish recipe that I am more than glad to share with this community of food lovers. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped (mix of colors)
- 1 medium eggplant, cubed
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 6 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cans (6 oz each) of tuna in olive oil, drained
- 3 tablespoons of capers, drained
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all your veggies: chop the onions and bell peppers, cube the eggplant and zucchini, and finely chop the ripe tomatoes. Also mince the garlic and drain the tuna and capers. This will make the cooking process easier.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn translucent which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chopped bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and paprika to the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and let them cook until they start to soften, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step Four
Next, add the chopped tomatoes, drained tuna, capers, and salt. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend together.
Step Five
While the veggies and tuna mixture is cooking, combine the red wine vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. After the 20 minutes have passed, pour the vinegar and sugar mixture over the vegetable tuna pisto. Stir well to combine, then let it cook for another 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Six
Now your Vegetable Tuna Pisto in Tomato and Caper Sauce is ready! Check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Serve it warm with a side of bread or over cooked pasta. Enjoy!
