Tuna Real

Tuna Real Recipe with Rice, Celery, Onion, and Cheddar Cheese | USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tuna Real is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce to create a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Tuna Real is a classic casserole dish that has been a favorite in households for many years. It is a simple and affordable recipe that was popularized in the mid-20th century as a way to make a hearty and filling meal using pantry staples.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
1 x 9.25 oz (262 g) can of tuna, drained and flaked
1 cup sliced celery
0.33 cup chopped onion
0.33 cup chopped green bell pepper
3 tbsp chopped pimentos
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup (4 oz (113 g)) shredded cheddar cheese
0.33 cup milk
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
paprika

How to prepare

Combine rice, tuna, celery, onion, green pepper, and pimentos in a large bowl.
Blend soup, cheese, pepper, and milk in a medium saucepan; heat.
Stir the mixture into the tuna-rice mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Variations

Substitute the tuna with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Add cooked pasta or quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the dish to prevent excess liquid.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tuna Real hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of canned fish, such as salmon or sardines, instead of tuna.

- Substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Tuna Real with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tuna Real with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tuna Real in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tuna Real contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tuna Real contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of Tuna Real contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tuna Real is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and fish (tuna).

Summary

Tuna Real is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tuna Real is a classic casserole dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria for a potluck dinner. She had prepared a dish called Tuna Real, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was kind enough to share the recipe with me, but she warned me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from hers, and so on. I was honored that she was willing to trust me with such a precious recipe.

The key to Tuna Real, Maria explained, was the combination of fresh tuna, ripe tomatoes, olives, capers, and a special blend of spices. The dish was a celebration of the sea, with each ingredient carefully chosen to complement the others. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate, leaving a lingering taste of the Mediterranean.

I spent the next few weeks perfecting my own version of Tuna Real, experimenting with different ratios of ingredients and adjusting the seasoning to suit my taste. I would make it for family gatherings, picnics, and potlucks, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

As time went on, I began to add my own twist to the dish, incorporating ingredients that I felt enhanced the flavors even further. I would sometimes substitute anchovies for the olives, or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a touch of acidity. Each variation brought a new dimension to the dish, making it even more irresistible.

One day, while shopping at the local market, I ran into an elderly woman who was selling fresh tuna caught that morning. I struck up a conversation with her, and she mentioned that she had a special recipe for Tuna Real that had been in her family for generations. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share it with me.

The woman smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief, and agreed to meet me at her home the following day. When I arrived, she welcomed me with open arms and led me to her kitchen, where she began to prepare the dish. As she worked, she shared stories of her ancestors and the origins of the recipe, which dated back to a time when tuna was abundant in the waters off the coast of Sicily.

I watched in awe as she deftly chopped tomatoes, pitted olives, and minced garlic, each movement precise and deliberate. She added a pinch of saffron, a hint of cayenne pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, explaining the significance of each ingredient in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

When the dish was finally ready, she served it to me with a flourish, the aroma wafting up to my nostrils in a tantalizing cloud. I took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors on my tongue, and knew that I had discovered a new level of culinary excellence.

The woman smiled at my expression of delight and handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, urging me to carry on the tradition and pass it down to future generations. I thanked her profusely, knowing that I had been entrusted with a precious gift that would bring joy to many.

Years passed, and I continued to make Tuna Real for my family and friends, sharing the story of its origins and the journey that had led me to perfecting the recipe. It became a beloved staple at gatherings, a dish that brought people together in celebration of good food and cherished memories.

As I grew older, I began to reflect on the significance of Tuna Real in my life. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a bridge between generations, a reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, as I sit here now, penning these words for future generations to read, I hope that my story will inspire others to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that our world has to offer, to embrace the culinary heritage of our ancestors, and to savor the simple pleasures of a well-cooked meal shared with those we hold dear.

For in the end, it is not just the ingredients that make a dish memorable, but the love and care that go into preparing it, the stories that are woven into its creation, and the joy that it brings to those who partake. And so, I will continue to make Tuna Real for as long as I am able, knowing that each bite is a reminder of a life well-lived and a legacy worth passing on.