Tuna Mornay: A Delightful and Versatile Dish

Tuna mornay is a classic and versatile dish that combines the goodness of tuna with a creamy and cheesy sauce. This comforting and delicious meal can be enjoyed on its own or served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of tuna mornay, its many variations, and a detailed recipe to help you create a mouthwatering tuna mornay at home.

Origins of Tuna Mornay

Tuna mornay is believed to have originated in Australia, where it became popular in the mid-20th century as a quick and affordable way to incorporate canned tuna into family meals. The term “mornay” refers to a rich and creamy sauce made with cheese, typically used in French cuisine. Tuna mornay combines this luscious sauce with canned tuna, transforming it into a delicious and substantial dish.

Ingredients for Tuna Mornay

Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients required to make a delicious tuna mornay:

• 2 cans of tuna (drained)
• 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Recipe for Tuna Mornay

Now that we have gathered the ingredients, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making a delectable tuna mornay:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir continuously for a minute to cook the flour and form a roux.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking the mixture to avoid lumps.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally. This should take around 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and incorporate into the sauce.
8. Add the drained tuna to the sauce and gently stir to combine.
9. If desired, mix in the cooked pasta or rice to make it a complete meal.
10. Transfer the tuna mornay mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
11. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mixture.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
14. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Variations of Tuna Mornay

Tuna mornay offers endless opportunities for customization to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a tuna mornay that suits your preferences.

Enjoy Your Tuna Mornay

Tuna mornay is a versatile and delightful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out exciting variations, its creamy and cheesy goodness combined with the nutritional benefits of tuna make it a satisfying meal option. So, gather the ingredients and enjoy the comforting flavors of tuna mornay at your next meal!