Tuna and Eggplant Skillet

Tasty Tuna and Eggplant Skillet Recipe from USA | Ingredient List Included

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Tuna and Eggplant Skillet recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic tuna casserole. By adding eggplant and a variety of seasonings, this dish takes on a whole new level of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant (about 1 lb (454 g)), peeled and cubed
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 cups cooked rice
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 x 12.5 oz (354 g) can tuna in water, drained and flaked
2 cups (8 oz (227 g)) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
4 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce
1 tsp paprika for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the eggplant, onion, and pepper in butter until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the rice, soup, tuna, 1 cup of cheese, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper sauce. Heat the mixture thoroughly.
Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Sprinkle with paprika, if desired. Cover and heat until the cheese melts.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for a different flavor profile.
Add in some diced tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the eggplant, onion, and pepper until they are tender-crisp to ensure the perfect texture in the final dish.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after melting the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tuna and Eggplant Skillet with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a skillet to cook the ingredients, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the tuna with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Tuna and Eggplant Skillet contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a great source of carbohydrates, with the rice and vegetables providing a good amount of energy for your day.

Fats

The margarine and cheese in this recipe provide a good amount of healthy fats, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Proteins

Tuna is a great source of protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggplant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and fish (tuna), so be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Tuna and Eggplant Skillet recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Maria welcomed me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said, leading me to the kitchen. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Maria began pulling out ingredients from her pantry and fridge.

The star of the dish was a beautiful plump eggplant, which Maria explained she had picked from her garden that morning. She sliced it into thick rounds and seasoned them with salt and pepper before searing them in a hot skillet until they were golden and tender.

While the eggplant cooked, Maria cracked open a can of tuna and flaked it into the skillet, adding a handful of briny capers and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Once the tuna had warmed through and the flavors had melded together, Maria spooned the mixture over the cooked eggplant rounds and topped it all off with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The result was a dish that was both hearty and light, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had immigrated to the United States from Italy many years ago. This dish was a family favorite, passed down through generations and cherished for its simplicity and deliciousness.

I savored each bite, savoring the memories of that day spent with Maria and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen. From that moment on, Tuna and Eggplant Skillet held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.

And now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find as much joy and satisfaction in cooking and sharing it as I have. May it bring you closer to those you love and serve as a reminder of the wonderful moments we have shared together in the kitchen. Bon appétit!