Delicious and Easy Tuna Pie Recipe
Introduction
Creating a delicious tuna pie is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. This classic dish combines the savory flavors of tuna with the rich, creamy texture of a homemade pie. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of preparing a tuna pie that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be simple, yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for Tuna Pie
Before we dive into the preparation process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavors.
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of ice water
For the Filling:
- 2 cans of tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of celery, diced
- 1/4 cup of green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup of red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly throughout the flour.
- Add the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour.
- Add the Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained tuna, peas and carrots, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Assembling the Pie
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to fit the bottom of your pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish and trim any excess.
- Add the Filling: Pour the tuna filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top Crust: Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Vent the Pie: Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
Tips for the Perfect Tuna Pie
- Use Cold Ingredients: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter and water are very cold before mixing them into the dough.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Let the Filling Cool: Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust to prevent a soggy bottom crust.
- Customize Your Pie: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make the recipe your own.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your tuna pie is important for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion
Creating a homemade tuna pie is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any meal. By following our detailed instructions, you can craft a pie that is both beautiful and flavorful. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this tuna pie is sure to be a hit.