How To Prepare A Tuna And Pepper Patty

The empanada is an easy dish to make and very versatile in the kitchen, since there are many fillings that can be used to prepare it, and it is well accepted on any occasion. This time we propose a tuna and pepper patty, whose dough will also be made at home.

Tuna and pepper patty recipe

Empanada is a tasty and easy dish to prepare, although it takes time to cook. In this case, we have opted for a filling based on tuna, tomatoes, onions and peppers, not only for its exquisite flavor, but also for its excellent nutritional combination.

While tuna provides, according to data from the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins of high biological value (23 g / 100g) and B complex vitamins (B6, niacin, D and B12), tomato it is rich in carbohydrates, and vitamins A and C. In fact, one serving of tomato covers 61% of the RDA of vitamin C.

For its part, onion is a source of potassium, a mineral that contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system of the muscles, as well as it is rich in flavonoids and quercetin, the latter compound with an interesting antioxidant function.

Finally, peppers provide vitamin B6, C and A, in the latter case mainly b-carotenes (2,220 μg / 100 g). According to a study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences , this food could help prevent heart disease and problems like metabolic syndrome.

Ingredients

For the filling

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 sweet onions
• 300 grams of canned tuna
• 200 grams of canned red peppers
• 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

For the mass

• 1 egg
• 250 ml of warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 20 grams of fresh yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 600 grams of wheat flour
• 6 tablespoons of the oil left over from the filling

Preparation of the filling

• The first thing you have to prepare is the filling, to take advantage of the excess oil for the dough. Pour the eight tablespoons of olive oil into a frying pan, and put it to heat.
• When it is hot, add the onion and the tomatoes, chopped into small pieces. Afterwards, let them simmer over low heat, until the onion appears transparent.
• In the last minutes add the diced red peppers. In turn, add the broth to the stew and let it cook for a few minutes. Turn off the heat and add the shredded tuna, and let it cool.
• Then, place the ingredients for the filling in a large strainer, so that all the broth is released. You will collect this in a container that you will use to prepare the dough for the empanada when it is cold.

Preparation of the dough

• Pour the salt, paprika, yeast and the already cold oil from the filling into a bowl. Next, put these ingredients together well. Then, add the flour, stir well and make a hole in the middle, where you should pour the warm water little by little and mix all the ingredients very well.
• Spread a little flour on the work table and knead well, until it forms a soft, elastic dough that is not sticky. Remember that you may need more water or more flour, depending on the resulting texture of the dough.
• When the dough is ready, place it in a floured bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for an hour to double its volume.
• After that time and on a floured surface, spread half of the dough on a thin plate and put a greased paper on the baking tray.

• Next, place the base you just prepared, cutting it with a knife, to give it a square shape, and saving the leftover dough to decorate later.
• Add a little of the drained broth to the filling so that it is not dry. Stir everything well and spread on the plate you have prepared, leaving a separation from the edges. Then cover with the other plate of dough already stretched.

Last steps

• Cut the leftovers and close the edges of the empanada by braiding them. Make a hole in the center of the patty and prick the rest of the patty symmetrically with a fork, so that it does not swell.
• Decorate the top of the empanada with the leftovers and brush it with a beaten egg.
• Preheat the oven to 200-220º, and place it in the middle for 40-45 minutes, until the patty is golden brown. Lastly, let it cool on a wire rack when it’s done.

Still not trying these delicious empanadas? As you can see, it is a recipe that proposes the use of healthy ingredients rich in nutrients. Therefore, it is a good option to enjoy for a snack or special occasions.