Tuna over Rice

Tuna over Rice Recipe - Traditional Omani Tuna Recipe

Region / culture: Oman | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tuna over rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful and hearty dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Tuna over rice is a popular dish in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. It is a simple and affordable dish that is often made with pantry staples like canned tuna, rice, and spices. This dish is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

a few tablespoons of butter
1 large onion, chopped
0.5 of a green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, smashed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 tbsp of fresh, chopped cilantro or parsley
2 tins of tuna
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tbsp of ground cumin
0.5 tsp of ground cayenne (red) pepper
salt to taste
white rice

How to prepare

In a large pan, sauté the onion and green pepper in butter until lightly browned.
Add the garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro and sauté until the tomatoes are very tender.
Open the cans of tuna and drain the tuna.
Add the tuna to the pan with the lemon, spices, and salt.
Add four tablespoons of water and stir gently, leaving the tuna in chunks.
Cook for 1 more minute.
Prepare 2 cups of white rice (see recipe above).
As soon as the rice is cooked, spread it over the tuna mixture.
Cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Flip onto a serving tray (tuna mixture coming out on top) and serve hot with plain yogurt on the side and a fresh salad.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the pan to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mix.

- Serve the tuna over rice hot with a side of plain yogurt and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a side of plain yogurt and a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until they are tender before adding the tuna to the pan.

- Cook the rice separately and then layer it over the tuna mixture before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

- Use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tuna mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the tuna over rice in a large serving platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon slices.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 350 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- White rice: 45g per serving

Fats

- Butter: 7g per serving

- Tuna: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Tuna: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes: rich in vitamin C and potassium

- Parsley: high in vitamin K and antioxidants

Alergens

Tuna may contain traces of fish allergens

Summary

Tuna over rice is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Tuna over rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a hot summer day and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a handwritten note tucked away in the back. It was a recipe for Tuna over Rice, something I had never heard of before.

Curious, I decided to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions carefully, not really sure what to expect. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the dish cooked was unlike anything I had ever smelled before. It was a mix of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that tingled my taste buds.

When I finally sat down to taste the dish, I was blown away. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the tuna tender and the rice fluffy. It was a dish that transported me to another time and place, a dish that spoke of comfort and tradition.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends. I served it at a dinner party and everyone raved about it. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so delicious. I knew then that this recipe was special, and I made a promise to myself to always keep it close to my heart.

As I continued to make Tuna over Rice over the years, I started to experiment with different variations. I added vegetables and herbs, tweaked the seasonings, and even tried different types of rice. Each time, the dish turned out perfectly, a testament to the flexibility and versatility of the recipe.

One day, I was visiting a friend who had recently returned from a trip to Italy. She had brought back a cookbook filled with traditional Italian recipes, and she insisted that I try a particular recipe for Tuna over Rice that she had fallen in love with.

I was intrigued. I followed the recipe exactly, using the ingredients she had brought back from Italy. The dish turned out to be a revelation. The flavors were so different from the ones I was used to, yet they worked together perfectly. It was a fusion of cultures, a meeting of two worlds, and it made me realize the power of food to bring people together.

From that day on, I started to incorporate elements of Italian cuisine into my Tuna over Rice recipe. I used olive oil instead of vegetable oil, added capers and olives for a briny kick, and even served it with a side of garlic bread. The dish became a staple in my household, a symbol of my love for both traditional and modern cooking.

As I grew older, I started to teach my grandchildren how to make Tuna over Rice. I showed them how to chop vegetables, how to season the tuna, and how to cook the rice just right. They listened intently, eager to learn the secrets of this beloved recipe.

I watched with pride as they made the dish for the first time, their faces lit up with excitement as they took their first bite. It was a moment of joy and connection, a passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next.

And now, as I sit here reflecting on the journey that brought me to this recipe, I realize how much it has shaped me as a cook and as a person. Tuna over Rice is more than just a dish – it is a story of discovery, of experimentation, and of love. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

I will always cherish the moment I found this recipe, for it has enriched my life in more ways than I can count. And I will continue to make Tuna over Rice for as long as I am able, passing down the tradition to future generations and keeping alive the spirit of adventure and creativity that brought me to this humble yet extraordinary dish.