Marmitako Recipes

MARMITAKO - BASQUE TUNA STEW RECIPE

Steps:

• Begin by cutting all the vegetables first, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic, finely dice 1/2 of an onion, finely dice 1/2 of a red bell pepper, finely dice 1/2 of a green bell pepper and cut 1 large yukon gold potato into small cubes
• Heat a large stock pot with a medium heat and add a 1/4 cup of extra virgin Spanish olive oil, once the oil get´s hot add the diced onions and minced garlic, mix with the oil and cook for about 4 minutes, then add the diced bell peppers, mix and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the cubed potatoes, mix and cook for another 2 minutes, then add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, season everything with a generous pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, mix everything together and cook for 2 minutes
• Turn the fire up to a HIGH heat and add 1/2 cup of white wine, about 4 minutes after adding the white wine add 2 1/2 cups of fish broth, once it comes to a boil, place a lid on top and lower the fire to a LOW heat
• While the stew is simmering, season 2 fresh tuna fillets with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides, then cut each one into 1/2 inch cubes
• After leaving the stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes, add the cubed tuna to the stock pot, mix it with the rest of the ingredients, place the lid back on top and cook for another 10 minutes
• Transfer the tuna stew into 2 shallow bowls and garnish each one with fresh parsley
• Enjoy!

MARMITAKO

Steps:

• If using dried peppers, remove the stem and seeds and soak in warm water for 1 hour, or until softened. Drain well, scrape off the flesh and discard skins. If using roasted peppers, remove the charred skin, stems and seeds, and chop. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large casserole. Add the onions and bell peppers and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute another minute to release the aromas. Cover the casserole tightly, reduce the heat to very low, and cook for 15 minutes.
• Uncover the casserole and stir in the paprika and parsley. Increase the heat, add the brandy and flame it. When the flame dies down, stir in the potatoes, carrots, and leeks, and saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and saute 2 more minutes. Pour in the stock and wine, and add the chile pepper, and reserved dried pepper flesh. Season with salt and pepper, increase the heat and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
• Discard the chile pepper halves. Add the tuna to the soup, adjust the seasonings and simmer 3 to 5 minutes. Cover casserole and let sit 5 minutes.
• To serve, ladle warm soup into individual bowls, and float a piece of toasted bread on the top.

MARMITAKO RECIPE

Steps:

• Remove the skin and bones from the tuna. Place these into a strainer and rinse to remove any scales or blood.
• Make a fish stock by sweating gently with a drop of olive oil all the vegetables for 5 minutes, add the fish bones and cover with water. Bring to the boil, skim all impurities and simmer for twelve minutes, strain through a fine sieve and set aside.
• Chop the red onion and green peppers finely, cut the potatoes into irregular 4cm chunks. The best way is to cut into the potato and then break it off with the knife as this helps release the starch which in turn will help thicken the stew.
• Pour 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil into a large pot, heat slowly and add the red onion and green peppers, when the onion is soft add the potatoes and stir with a wooden spoon, cook slowly for 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to release their starch.
• Place a fine strainer over the pot and pour the fish stock to cover the potatoes, if necessary add a little water. Bring to the boil and cook on a moderate heat moving the pot now and again for the potatoes to thicken the stew. Season with salt and add the pimiento choricero.
• The potatoes should take about 15 minutes to cook at a slow heat. Cut the tuna into one 2cm chunks, once the potatoes are cooked add the fish and cook for about 2 or 3 minutes turn off the heat and put a lid on the pot and leave for 5 minutes to rest. Serve immediately.