Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew

This Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew, known as Guiso de Atún en Conserva con Patatas, is what simple and delicious food is all about. We’re talking a ton of flavors, easy to make and all done in a little over 40 minutes. Serve it next to a crunchy baguette and a bottle of Spanish red wine from Ribera del Duero for a complete meal.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: This stew will hold for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge and freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just add in some liquid when reheating if it’s too thick.

Spanish-Style Tuna and Potato Stew

Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRgRDS_p8Wo

Ingredients

  • 2 cans tuna in olive oil 4 oz / 110 grams each
  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 15 ml
  • 1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
  • 1/2 tsp hot smoked Spanish paprika 1.25 grams
  • 2 tomatoes (finely grated)
  • 3 potatoes (peeled) 1 1/2 lbs / 750 grams
  • 3 cups vegetable broth 720 ml
  • 1 bay leaf
  • sea salt & black pepper
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Drain the cans of tuna into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath, gently flake the tuna to remove any excess oil, roughly chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and cut the red & green bell peppers into small bite-sized pieces
  2. Heat a stock pot with a medium heat and add in 3 tbsp (45 ml) of the reserved olive oil from the canned tuna
  3. After a couple of minutes add in the chopped vegetables, mix every 1 to 2 minutes so everything evenly sautes, after 4 to 5 minutes and the vegetables are lightly sauteed, add in the vinegar, sweet smoked paprika and hot smoked paprika, quickly mix together, then add in the grated tomatoes, mix together and then simmer
  4. In the meantime, cut the potatoes into small bite-sized pieces that are 1/2 inch thick (1.25 cm)
  5. After 4 to 5 minutes and the grated tomato has slightly thickened, add in the chopped potatoes and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then add in the vegetable broth and bay leaf, turn it up to a high heat and give it a gentle mix
  6. Once it comes to a boil, place a lid on the stock pot and lower to a low-medium heat
  7. After simmering the stew for 20 minutes remove the lid, at this point the potatoes should be cooked through (you can always pierce them with a toothpick to ensure they are done), using a potato masher, gently mash down on the stew to break a couple of the potatoes apart, this is to help thicken the stew, then remove from the heat
  8. Transfer into shallow bowls, top off with some of the reserved canned tuna, black pepper and fresh parsley, enjoy!

EVOO High Polyphenol Content and Heart Health

A recent study  published in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine linked adherence to the Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Researchers found that people who closely followed this diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, and fish—had a significantly lower risk of developing AFib, a common heart rhythm disorder. The Mediterranean diet’s high content of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods coupled with high levels of fat based polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil is believed to improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of AFib.

The study highlights the importance of dietary patterns in preventing cardiovascular conditions. By focusing on heart-healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids from fish and monounsaturated fats with high levels of polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil, the Mediterranean diet supports overall cardiovascular function. This dietary approach is also associated with better weight management and lower blood pressure, both of which are important factors in reducing AFib risk.

Given the diet’s proven benefits for heart health, medical professionals often recommend it as part of lifestyle interventions to prevent not only AFib but other cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke. This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the Mediterranean diet’s protective effects on heart health.

For more information on this recent study, visit this article.