Welcome to a culinary journey where simplicity meets bold flavors. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in many homes – Tuna Curry.

Originating from regions where seafood reigns supreme, this dish brings together the goodness of canned tuna with aromatic spices, creating a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Tuna curry is a dish deeply rooted in tradition, often prepared as a comforting meal enjoyed with family and friends. Its origins can be traced to coastal communities where seafood is abundant, making it a staple in many households.

Despite its humble beginnings, this recipe has evolved over time, adapting to various culinary influences while retaining its essence of hearty flavors and simple preparation methods.

Don’t let its exotic name fool you – Tuna Curry is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Expert Tip: You can adjust the quantities of chili powder, turmeric, and black pepper to make the curry more or less spicy according to your liking.

Ingredients

Oil: The oil serves as the cooking medium for this recipe, providing a base for sautéing the onions and spices. It helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and ensures they cook evenly.

Tuna: Tuna provides protein and a rich, savory flavor. It adds a delicious seafood element to the curry, making it hearty and satisfying.

Chickpeas: Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, add texture and protein to the curry. They complement the tuna beautifully, adding a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite to each spoonful.

Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes form the base of the curry sauce, lending a tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. They provide acidity and balance to the rich flavors of the tuna and spices.

Onions: Onions are sautéed to create a flavorful base for the curry. They add sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the curry. It infuses the dish with a subtle garlicky undertone, elevating its taste and aroma.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder brings heat and spice to the curry, adding a fiery kick that balances the other flavors. It provides warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing its overall complexity.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Turmeric powder adds a vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor to the curry. It also has antioxidant properties and adds a subtle bitterness that complements the other spices.

Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the curry, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and balancing their taste. It enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and peppery flavor to the curry. It helps to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different types of canned tomatoes, such as diced, crushed, or whole tomatoes, to vary the texture of the curry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Tuna Curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fluffy basmati rice. The mild, comforting flavors of the curry complement the rice perfectly, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• For a lighter option, serve the Tuna Curry with quinoa or couscous. These grains provide a nutritious alternative and add a unique texture to the dish.
• To add freshness and crunch, garnish the Tuna Curry with chopped cilantro or parsley. The herbs add a pop of color and a burst of flavor, elevating the presentation of the dish.
• For a complete meal, serve the Tuna Curry alongside some warm, homemade chapatis or naan bread. The soft, pillowy texture of the bread pairs beautifully with the rich, saucy curry, creating a comforting and indulgent dining experience.
• To round out the meal, serve a side of yogurt raita or cucumber salad. The cool, refreshing flavors of the raita help to balance the heat of the curry, while the crispness of the cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of coconut milk to the Tuna Curry just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the spiciness of the Tuna Curry?

Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preference for heat. You can increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna if you prefer. Simply cut it into chunks and add it to the curry during the cooking process. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the tuna is cooked through.

Can I substitute canned chickpeas with dried chickpeas?

Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, be sure to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the curry.

How long can I store leftover Tuna Curry?

Leftover Tuna Curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Can I freeze Tuna Curry?

Yes, Tuna Curry freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Tuna Pasta Bake
• Tuna Melt
• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Tuna Curry
• Tuna Quesadillas

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Tuna & Chickpea Curry

by Nabeela Kauser

This protein-packed tuna chickpea curry is delicious, flavourful, and full of spice. Soft chickpeas and tuna chunks lathered in a spicy tomato masala served with homemade chapatti make the perfect midweek meal.

5 from 18 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 334 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 400 g Tuna Canned
• ▢ 200 g Chickpeas Canned
• ▢ 400 g Tomatoes Canned
• ▢ 3 Onions
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

• In a pot heat up the oil on medium heat until hot then add the finely diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened (see note 1)
• Add the garlic paste then cook for 1-2 minutes
• Add the salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, and black pepper then cook the spices for 2-3 minutes
• Add the canned tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes (see note 2)
• Add the canned chickpeas then cook for 4-5 minutes (see note 3)
• Add the canned tuna and cook for a further 6-8 minutes
• Serve with homemade chapatti and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note 1 – I like to use olive oil, but you can use any oil such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil.

Note 2 – Alternatively fresh tomatoes can be used, I would use about 4-5 tomatoes

Note 3 – If you want to use fresh chickpeas then cook them beforehand then add into the pan

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 821mgPotassium: 713mgFibre: 7gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1056IUVitamin C: 21mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 79mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Chana, Chickpeas, Curry, Food, Meat, Recipe, Seafood, Spicy

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