Tuna Pompons

Tuna Pompons Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Tuna Pompons are a delicious and unique dish that combines tuna, rice, and cheese into flavorful balls that are baked to perfection. These savory treats are perfect for a special dinner or as a fun appetizer for a party.

History

The origins of Tuna Pompons are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover tuna and rice in a creative and tasty way. This dish has become a favorite among those who enjoy seafood and cheesy flavors.

Ingredients

0.25 cup finely chopped celery
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
1.5 tbsp butter or margarine
3 tbsp flour
0.5 tsp poultry seasoning
0.13 tsp ground black pepper
bouillon granules
0.75 cup milk
1.5 cup cooked brown rice, cooled
1 x 9.25 oz (262 g) can tuna, drained and flaked
0.75 cup (3 oz (85 g)) shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup dry bread crumbs
0.25 cup finely chopped walnuts
0.5 tsp paprika

Sauce

1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tbsp dry sherry

How to prepare

Cook the celery and onion in butter in a small skillet until they are soft but not browned.
Blend in the flour, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
Add the bouillon granules and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Chill.
Mix the sauce with the rice, tuna, and cheese.
Form the mixture into 8 balls, each measuring 0.33 cup.
Mix the bread crumbs, walnuts, and paprika together. Roll the balls in this mixture.
Place the balls in a greased shallow 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) baking dish. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 30 minutes.
Serve with a sauce made by combining and heating the soup, sour cream, and sherry.

Variations

You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
You can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or Swiss for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the mixture before forming it into balls to make it easier to handle.

- Be sure to drain the tuna well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

- You can customize the seasoning to your liking by adding herbs or spices of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

Tuna Pompons can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. They can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine.

- You can use white rice instead of brown rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Tuna Pompons mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tuna Pompons on a platter with a drizzle of the mushroom sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tuna Pompons pair well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tuna Pompons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tuna Pompons contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tuna Pompons contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tuna Pompons contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tuna Pompons contains approximately 18 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tuna Pompons are a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Tuna Pompons contain dairy (cheese) and nuts (walnuts). They may also contain gluten from the bread crumbs.

Summary

Tuna Pompons are a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. They are a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Summary

Tuna Pompons are a delightful and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a crispy coating and a creamy interior, these savory balls are a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Tuna Pompons. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she had a way of effortlessly blending flavors and ingredients to create the most mouthwatering dishes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of garlic and herbs sizzling in a pan.

Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling tomato sauce. She turned to me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear friend. It's a family favorite that has been passed down for generations – Tuna Pompons."

I had never heard of Tuna Pompons before, but I was immediately intrigued. Maria began to explain the recipe to me, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables and opened cans of tuna. She told me that Tuna Pompons were a simple yet delicious dish that combined the flavors of tuna, tomatoes, olives, and capers in a rich and savory sauce.

As Maria cooked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Tuna Pompons. It was many years ago, when she was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. Her mother, a talented cook in her own right, had taught her the recipe one lazy afternoon as they sat together in their sun-drenched kitchen.

Maria's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted the memory. She told me how her mother had shown her how to sauté onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, how to add the tomatoes and simmer them until they were soft and sweet, and how to gently fold in the tuna, olives, and capers to create a luscious sauce that clung to every strand of pasta.

As Maria finished cooking the Tuna Pompons, she ladled the steaming pasta onto plates and sprinkled it with fresh parsley. The dish looked and smelled divine, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

I hesitantly twirled a forkful of pasta and brought it to my lips. The flavors exploded on my tongue – the briny olives, the tangy capers, the tender chunks of tuna, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that was both comforting and exhilarating. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I looked up at Maria, my eyes wide with wonder and delight. "This is amazing," I exclaimed. "I have to learn how to make this myself!"

Maria chuckled at my enthusiasm and nodded. "Of course, my dear. I will teach you everything you need to know. Cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about infusing your food with love and passion, about creating something that nourishes both the body and the soul."

And so, over the next few months, Maria patiently taught me how to make Tuna Pompons. We spent countless hours in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting, until I had mastered the art of creating this delectable dish. I learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients, of seasoning with care and precision, and of letting the flavors meld together to create a harmonious whole.

As I cooked Tuna Pompons for my own family and friends, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and connection to the generations of cooks who had come before me. I could feel the love and care that had gone into perfecting this recipe, and I knew that it would continue to be passed down through the ages, bringing joy and nourishment to all who tasted it.

And so, whenever I make Tuna Pompons now, I think of Maria and her mother, of the sun-drenched kitchen by the sea, and of the love and tradition that infuse every bite. Cooking is more than just a task – it is a way of honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating a future filled with delicious memories.