Tuna And Red Pepper Pastry Parcels Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the savory goodness of tuna with the vibrant flavors of roasted red pepper and onion, all wrapped in a crispy, golden puff pastry. It’s a quick and easy way to impress friends at brunch or satisfy my craving for a delicious home-baked treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

I love to craft uncomplicated yet delightful nibbles, and these Tuna and Red Pepper Pastry Parcels fill that bill perfectly. They consist of a flaky puff pastry shell and a savory blend of tuna, red bell pepper, and onion.

I season the mixture with tomatoes and oregano to make it taste Mediterranean. Then I wrap the filling in the pastry and bake it.

Voilà: a healthy party appetizer!

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:
Provides a flaky texture; is light and airy; contains carbs and fat.

Tuna:
High-protein foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health.

Red Bell Pepper:
Provides a sugary flavor and constitutes a substantial portion of a vitamin C boost; does not contribute largely to caloric intake.

Onion:
Provides rich flavor and vital antioxidants; helps bolster the immune system.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart not only add richness but also help absorb nutrients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 can (about 5 oz) of tuna, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) to heat up. While it is heating, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

2. In an ordinary frying pan set over a medium flame, pour in the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Then add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté them until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Blend in the tuna, drained well; the tomato paste; and the oregano. Cook for 2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

4. Lay the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and roll it out. Cut the sheet into four even squares.

5. Distribute the tuna mixture evenly into the center of each square of pastry.

6. Make each square into a parcel by bringing together opposite corners and pinching the edges to seal them.

7. Move the parcels to the baking sheet that has been readied.

8. Coat the tops with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

9. Preheat the oven and bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed.

10. Let them cool for a bit before serving them while they are still warm. Enjoy your scrumptious Tuna and Roasted Red Pepper Pastry Pockets!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Frying pan
5. Medium flame or stove
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Bowl (for egg wash)
10. Pastry brush
11. Rolling pin
12. Measuring spoons
13. Can opener

FAQ

• Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?Absolutely, fresh tuna can be used. It should be cooked thoroughly first, then flaked before incorporating it into the recipe.
• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?For sure. Leave out the tuna and increase the quantity of chopped vegetables, or use a protein substitute that’s plant-based.
• Can I prepare the filling in advance?Certainly! The filling could be made as much as two days ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to put the parcels together.
• What if I don’t have tomato paste?Ketchup or a thick tomato puree can be used instead of tomato paste. When doing so, adjust the seasoning as necessary.
• How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?Be certain to drain the tuna thoroughly and keep the moisture content in the filling ingredients at a minimum.
• Can these be frozen for later use?Yes, you can freeze uncooked packages on a baking sheet and then put them into a bag that can go in the freezer. When it comes time to bake them, do so from their frozen state, and just add a few more minutes to the cooking time.
• What can I use instead of sesame seeds?Good alternatives to use instead of poppy seeds are nigella seeds or just omitting them if you prefer.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute canned salmon or cooked, shredded chicken for tuna.
Substitute yellow or orange bell pepper for red bell pepper. You’ll get comparable sweetness.
If you lack puff pastry, use phyllo dough or pie crust instead.
Use vegetable oil or melted butter instead of olive oil.
If dried oregano is not available, use fresh oregano or basil.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to thoroughly drain the tuna to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. You can press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Allow the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the tuna to avoid melting the puff pastry when filled.

3. For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the tuna mixture for a subtle kick.

4. If you want a more robust flavor, try adding a small clove of minced garlic when sautéing the onions and bell pepper.

5. Ensure the edges of the pastry are well-sealed by brushing them with a little water or egg wash before pinching them together. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.