Tuna Marmitako recipe
Today in Spain from the Cuisine, we bring you a fish recipe, very simple, quick to prepare and above all, very, very tasty, tuna marmitako.
Marmitako is a traditional dish from the Basque Country in Northern Spain, made with tuna, potatoes, onions, and peppers cooked in a tomato sauce. The dish is typically made with fresh tuna caught by local fishermen, and is said to have originated as a way for sailors and fishermen to use up the catch that was not fit for sale. The name “marmitako” comes from the word “marmitak,” which means “in a pot” in the Basque language, referring to the large pot (called a “marmitak” in Basque) in which the dish is traditionally cooked. The dish is usually served with bread and is considered a hearty and comforting meal. It is also very popular in other regions of Spain such as Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.
Ingredients
Here is a recipe for marmitako, a traditional dish from the Basque Country in Northern Spain made with tuna:
- 2 lbs fresh tuna, cut into large chunks
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fish stock or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Ingredient substitutions for Tuna Marmitako recipe
- Tuna: You can use fresh or canned tuna in this recipe. If you’re using canned tuna, make sure to drain it before adding it to the pot.
- Potatoes: You can use any type of potato for this recipe, but waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or new potatoes work best.
- Onions: You can use any type of onion, but yellow onions are traditional.
- Garlic: You can use fresh or powdered garlic in this recipe.
- Peppers: You can use any type of pepper, but red and green peppers are traditional.
- Tomatoes: You can use canned or fresh tomatoes for this recipe. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you may need to add more water or stock to the pot.
- Fish stock or water: Fish stock will add more flavor to the dish, but you can use water if you don’t have any on hand.
- Salt and pepper: Be mindful of the amount of salt you add if you’re using canned tuna as it already contain salt.
- Olive oil: You can use any type of oil for cooking, but olive oil is traditional.
- Wine: You can add some white wine for more flavor, but it’s not required.
- Red pepper flakes: You can add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat, but it’s not required.
- Green Beans: You can add some green beans to the pot to make it more nutritious and make it more filling.
Directions of Tuna Marmitako recipe
To make this fabulous recipe for Spanish cuisine, you must follow these simple steps:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the peppers and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes and fish stock or water.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the tuna chunks and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the tuna is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with bread.
Note: you can add some white wine or red pepper flakes for more flavor or add some green beans.
Enjoy your Marmitako!
Tips for Tuna Marmitako recipe
Here are some tips for making a great marmitako:
- Use fresh ingredients: Using fresh tuna, potatoes, onions, peppers, and tomatoes will give the dish the best flavor.
- Cook the vegetables first: Make sure to cook the onions, peppers, and potatoes until they are softened before adding the tuna. This will ensure that they are cooked through and that the dish is well-balanced.
- Use a good-quality canned tomatoes: If you use canned tomatoes, make sure they are of good quality to ensure a good taste.
- Use a good fish stock or water: If you are using fish stock or water, make sure it is of good quality to ensure a good taste.
- Season to taste: Be mindful of the amount of salt you add if you’re using canned tuna as it already contain salt, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cook the tuna just until done: Tuna can be easily overcooked, so make sure to cook it just until it is done, usually 5-7 minutes.
- Serve it with bread: Marmitako is traditionally served with bread, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Experiment with additional ingredients: You can add some white wine or red pepper flakes for more flavor or add some green beans to make it more nutritious and make it more filling.
- Let it rest: Let it rest a few minutes before serving, it will help to distribute the flavors evenly.
Suggestions for serving
Here are some suggestions for serving marmitako:
- Serve it hot: Marmitako is best served hot, straight from the pot.
- Serve it with bread: Marmitako is traditionally served with bread, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Add a green salad: A green salad on the side can help to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Add a glass of white wine: A glass of white wine can complement the flavors of the dish and make a perfect pairing
- Add a side of rice: A side of rice can make it more filling and help to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro can add a fresh and herbal flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of pimenton: Pimenton (paprika) can add a nice smoky flavor.
- Serve it with aioli: Aioli (garlic mayonnaise) can be a delicious dip for bread or potatoes, adding extra flavor and creaminess.
FAQs
Here are some possible frequently asked questions about making marmitako:
- Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna? Yes, you can use canned tuna in this recipe. Make sure to drain it before adding it to the pot.
- Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes, you can use any type of potato for this recipe, but waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or new potatoes work best.
- Can I use different types of peppers? Yes, you can use any type of pepper, but red and green peppers are traditional.
- Can I use fresh or canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned or fresh tomatoes for this recipe. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, you may need to add more water or stock to the pot.
- Can I use water instead of fish stock? Yes, you can use water if you don’t have any fish stock on hand.
- Can I add some red pepper flakes for more heat? Yes, you can add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat, but it’s not required.
- Can I add some green beans to the recipe? Yes, you can add some green beans to the pot to make it more nutritious and make it more filling.
- Can I use other types of oils for cooking? Yes, you can use any type of oil for cooking, but olive oil is traditional.
- Can I add some white wine for more flavor? Yes, you can add some white wine for more flavor, but it’s not required.