Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly quick meal? Then look no further! This creamed tuna recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious, healthy, and homemade dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Get ready to impress your family with this classic, elevated creamed tuna recipe – perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
This easy recipe requires simple ingredients, likely already in your pantry!
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional, but adds great texture)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional, for a bit of sharpness)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for a pop of freshness)
- Crusty bread or crackers for serving
Instructions:
This creamed tuna recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks!
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make the roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This creates a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Add the tuna and vegetables: Add the drained tuna, celery (if using), and red onion (if using) to the sauce. Stir gently to combine. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the fresh parsley (if using). Serve immediately over crusty bread, crackers, or alongside a simple side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Creamed Tuna:
- Don't overcook the tuna: Overcooking the tuna will make it dry. Just heat it through in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
- Use good quality tuna: The flavor of the tuna will impact the overall taste of the dish, so opt for a higher quality canned tuna if possible.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving.
Variations:
- Spicy creamed tuna: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy mushroom creamed tuna: Sauté some sliced mushrooms before adding the tuna for an earthy flavor.
- Cheesy creamed tuna: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere cheese during the last minute of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
This creamed tuna recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes that are also healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights, and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy!