Thursday, July 27, 2017

The Many Faces of Tuna

I love tuna.  It is a great protein and full of all kinds of good minerals and vitamins.  It is relatively cheap - it can be purchased on sales around here for .50 a tin.
Many people fish and can their own tuna - although I have heard it is a stinky process!

I know it isn't for everyone, but it sure is great to have in your SHTF stash of foods.  It can be fixed and eaten in so many ways, and the protein may be just what you need someday!

  • It can be eaten from the can - or plain on crackers
  • Make tuna salad
  • Egg salad with a can of tuna added
  • Any type of pasta salad - add a can for extra protein
  • Mix a drained can of tuna, a rinsed can of white beans, chopped onion, herbs and olive oil and lemon juice.  Makes a meal by itself - this is a great salad
  • I make tuna patties - like many people do with salmon.  It is cheaper, lighter in flavor, and it doesn't smell up the house when cooking!
  • White beans, tuna, and kale soup
  • Cheesy tuna & pasta - like a jazzed up mac n cheese
  • Tuna melts - tuna or tuna salad on bread, topped with cheese, and sliced tomato - great open face sandwiches
  • Stuff hollowed tomatoes with tuna salad  - can also top with cheese and stick in the broiler till cheese melts
  • Stuffed zucchini/tuna melt boats
  • Avocado and tuna salad
  • Sliced radish,  olives, diced tomatoes, cooled boiled potatoes (chopped), tuna - topped with a mix of olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard.  This can make a yummy quick and easy meal as well.
  • Drain and top any green salad
  • Tuna/rice and broccoli casserole
  • Stuffed mushrooms - raw or baked
  • Tuna casserole - remember anything can be added to casseroles

Tuna has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It is really a healthy fish and should be added to our diets. (I just read labels to see where it is from - some waters contain bad chemicals).  You can prepare canned tuna just about any way you can prepare chicken - just substitute in recipes.
If you are lucky enough to know someone who fishes - perhaps you can get some tuna fillets and grill!  It is terribly expensive in this neck of the woods, in fillet form. 

I would imagine the coasts would have better prices - but one has to consider what is involved in tuna and salmon fishing. 
They have to pay for fuel and  labor on those big boats, then keep it cold and fillet it.  It is a pricey endeavor!
It is amazing that we can actually buy a can for .50!!!!

Watch your sales and stock up on this light flavored fish.  It is versatile and good for you.
You may be glad you have it one of these days.
HAPPY FRUGAL EATING

Do you have any tuna recipes to share?

17 comments:

  1. I have been waiting on tuna to go on sale since I am out. Thanks for all the ideas! I have been trying to come up with 2 weeks of meals that don't involve cooking (in case of emergency) so your suggestions have come in handy.
    My son has started making sushi with those packets of flavored tunas, nori seaweed and rice.Sometimes he adds veggies like carrots and cucumbers...any time someone else cooks, I am happy. :D

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    1. Kathy, glad to give you a few ideas. It is good to be prepared with ideas JUST IN CASE!
      What a good idea on the sushi rolls - I have never tried Sushi, as it just doesn't sound appealing to me be - but that sounds good!
      Thanks I may have to try that!

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    2. I don't go for the raw fish sushi either. :D

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    3. Good to know that I am not the only one! LOL

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  2. Tuna, sultanas, celery and Mayo in a pita bread. Nom, nom, nom.

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    1. Mmmmm - sounds good. Anything on pitas is good in my book!

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  3. Creamed tuna on toast. A favorite from childhood. :)

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    1. Laurie I have never had creamed tuna. Never would have thought of it. Will definitely have to try it now.

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    2. Do you guys make a white gravy or what? Like country gravy?

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    3. I make a white sauce and add the tuna to it. Like creamed chip beef only tuna.

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    4. Thanks Laurie. I could do that. May have to give it a try.

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  4. We use the darker tuna in the can in casseroles and the lighter tuna in salads. The lighter can be a little more expensive, but it is nice for the variety and meatiness of it because sometimes the dark tuna is crumblier-not as flaky.

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    1. Ellen - never really thought of that. I am learning all kinds of neat things today!

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  5. Thank you! This is just the sort of list I need. My mind has been boggled of late and thinking of ways to use tuna this summer just hasn't worked. I'm going to print off this list and use it as a reference for dishes to add to my menus each week.

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    1. Terri so glad to be able to help.
      Tuna is so versatile and it is also a great ingredient for summer dishes.
      ENJOY

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  6. Great list, I am catching up on blogs as we have been away. Tuna is a great staple, cheap, lots of vitamins and a great additions to many blah foods.

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