Introduction
This delicious recipe leverages wholesome ingredients to create flavorful tuna burgers served on toasted baps with a refreshing vegetable salad. It’s a delightful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of charred vegetables, creamy avocado, and savory tuna makes for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 red onion
– 160g frozen green beans
– Red wine vinegar
– Extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium free-range egg
– 1 x 300g tin of peeled new potatoes
– 1 x 145g tin of tuna in spring water, from sustainable sources
– 3 large white baps
– Olive oil
– 2 ripe tomatoes
– 4 black kalamata olives, stone in
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this delightful meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The medley of flavors from the fresh ingredients will surely impress your family and friends!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Place a large non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Peel and quarter the red onion, then add it to the hot pan along with the frozen green beans. Cook for 4 minutes, or until softened and charred, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Once the vegetables are cooked, add them to the bowl and toss well to coat with the dressing.
Step 3: Boil the Egg
Lower the egg into a small saucepan of vigorously simmering water and boil for 5 minutes for a soft-boiled egg. After boiling, refresh the egg under cold water until cool enough to handle, then peel it gently.
Step 4: Prepare the Tuna Burger Mixture
Drain the peeled new potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Use a fork to mash the potatoes. Drain the tuna and add it to the bowl with the mashed potatoes. Blitz 1 bap in a food processor until it becomes fine crumbs, then add the crumbs to the bowl. Finely chop ¼ of the charred dressed vegetables and add them to the mixture, along with a pinch of black pepper. Mix together with clean hands until fully combined.
Step 5: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty.
Step 6: Fry the Patties
Return the frying pan to medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Fry the patties for 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and crisp. Meanwhile, halve the remaining baps and lightly toast them alongside.
Step 7: Assemble the Burgers
Drizzle a little of the vegetable dressing onto the halved baps. Thinly slice the tomatoes and divide them between the baps, placing two tuna burgers on top of each.
Step 8: Prepare the Olives and Serve
Squash and destone the kalamata olives, then add them to the bowl of remaining vegetables and toss to combine. Plate the tossed vegetables alongside the burgers. Halve the boiled egg and serve it on top of the salads.
Notes
Note 1:
Ensure the frying pan is hot enough before adding the onions and green beans for better charring.
Note 2:
For a firmer patty, consider adding an additional breadcrumb if the mixture feels too wet.
Note 3:
The cooking time for the egg can vary; adjust as preferred for a firmer yolk.
Note 4:
Feel free to customize the salad with other ingredients such as cucumber or mixed greens.
Cook techniques
Charring Vegetables
Charring vegetables adds depth of flavor and a slightly smoky taste. For optimal results, ensure the pan is sufficiently hot and turn the ingredients occasionally to achieve even cooking.
Whisking Dressings
To create a smooth and emulsified dressing, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, and seasoning. Use a large bowl for ease and ensure to combine well for uniform flavor.
Soft-Boiling Eggs
To achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg, gently lower the egg into simmering water and cook for precisely 5 minutes. Follow with an immediate cold-water rinse to halt the cooking process.
Mashing Potatoes
For a coarse texture, use a fork to mash the drained potatoes. This method retains some chunkiness, which enhances the overall dish.
Forming Patties
When shaping the mixture into patties, use clean hands for an even distribution and to help maintain the shape while frying.
Frying for Crispiness
To create golden and crisp patties, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before adding them to the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat.
Toasting Breads
Lightly toasting the baps before serving adds a nice crunch and enhances texture. A gentle toast on both cut sides will provide a warm base for the toppings.
Squashing Olives
Squashing olives before adding them to a salad releases their oils and intensifies their flavor. This also helps in breaking them into smaller pieces for easier eating.
FAQ
Can I substitute the tuna with another protein?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken, chickpeas, or any preferred protein option instead of tuna.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the tuna and use additional vegetables or legumes to keep it filling and satisfying.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can serve as suitable substitutes for red wine vinegar.
Is there an alternative to free-range eggs?
You can use organic or vegetarian-fed eggs as alternatives if free-range eggs are not available.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes, the patties can be formed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before frying.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish combines the freshness of charred vegetables, creamy potato-tuna patties, and a delightful soft-boiled egg. It not only highlights the use of sustainable ingredients but also provides a hearty meal that’s full of texture and taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Toss together frozen green beans, sliced onion, and diced tomatoes with a splash of red wine vinegar and olive oil for a quick, healthy side dish.
Potato and Tuna Salad
Combine mashed peeled new potatoes with drained tuna, chopped red onion, and kalamata olives. Dress with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a fresh salad option.
Vegetarian Tunisian Chickpea Burgers
Replace tuna with mashed chickpeas and add spices (like cumin and coriander) for a plant-based patty variation.
Classic Mediterranean Flatbread
Use baps as a base for a Mediterranean flatbread by topping with chopped olives, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
Stuffed Tomatoes
Hollow out ripe tomatoes and fill them with a mix of tuna, finely chopped green beans, and olive oil dressing for a delightful appetizer.
Egg and Olive Breakfast Toast
Top toasted baps with smashed olives and a halved soft-boiled egg, drizzled with olive oil for a quick breakfast option.
