Description

This tuna and rice recipe is the perfect choice for days when you want something quick, easy, and delicious. With simple ingredients you probably already have at home, like tuna and rice, you can create an amazing dish that will surprise everyone at the table. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this gratin combines the subtle flavor of tuna with the creaminess of heavy cream, the freshness of tomatoes, and the special touch of melted cheese. Plus, it's a versatile recipe that you can customize depending on what you have in your kitchen. Let's walk through the steps to create this irresistible dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice
• Water to cover the rice
• Salt to taste
• 1 medium onion
• 200g mozzarella cheese
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 170g tuna (5.99oz)
• Pepper to taste
• 3 eggs
• 100ml heavy cream (3.38oz)
• 200g shredded mozzarella cheese (7.05oz)
• Oven preheated to 180ºC (350ºF) for 30 minutes

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1

  

  Cook the rice: In a pan, place the cup of rice and add enough water to cover it. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is soft. Set aside.

• Step 2

  

  Prepare the ingredients: While the rice is cooking, peel and finely chop the onion. Then, shred the mozzarella cheese and slice the tomatoes into thin rounds. Set all the ingredients aside.

• Step 3

  

  Sauté the onion: Heat a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden.

• Step 4

  

  Add the tuna: Stir in the tuna with the sautéed onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to combine the flavors.

• Step 5

  

  Mix with the rice: In a large bowl, add the cooked rice and mix it with the sautéed onion and tuna. Stir gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Step 6

  

  Prepare the egg mixture: In another bowl, crack the eggs and add the heavy cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk the mixture until well combined.

• Step 7

  

  Layer the rice: Take a large baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. Spread an even layer of the rice, tuna, and onion mixture on the bottom of the dish.

• Step 8

  

  Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture over the rice, covering the entire surface. This will give the dish a creamy texture when baked.

• Step 9

  

  Arrange the tomatoes: Lay the tomato slices evenly over the top of the egg mixture. They will add freshness and color to the dish.

• Step 10

  

  Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes. Make sure the entire surface is covered, as the melted cheese will create a delicious golden crust.

• Step 11

  

  Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 180ºC (350ºF) for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and golden brown on top.

• Step 12

  

  Check the doneness: After 30 minutes, check if the dish is nicely gratinated and the cheese is slightly crispy. If it needs more time, leave it in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

• Step 13

  

  Remove from the oven: Carefully take the baking dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.

• Step 14

  

  Serve: Cut into generous portions and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a green salad or sautéed vegetables.

• Step 15

  

  Optional adjustments: You can add herbs such as oregano or fresh basil on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.

• Step 16

  

  Enjoy: And that’s it! Now you can savor this simple, delicious dish that’s sure to please everyone.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra special touch, you can add sliced olives between the layers or even incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or grated carrots into the rice and tuna mixture. This will bring more texture and flavor to the dish, as well as making it more nutritious.

This tuna and rice recipe is proof that simple dishes can be incredibly flavorful. Besides being easy to prepare, it's a great way to use ingredients you probably already have at home, without the need for elaborate preparations. With the melted cheese, the freshness of the tomatoes, and the special touch of the tuna, every bite is a burst of flavors. Perfect for busy days or family meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!