Valencian Titaina Recipe
Dani García
Titaina is a traditional Spanish dish from the Valencian region. It's a flavorful and vibrant recipe that features tomatoes, peppers, pine nuts, garlic and tuna belly; all sautéed together to create a rich base
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
- 400 g tuna belly
- 50 g pine nuts
- 1.5 kg tomatoes
- 3 green peppers
- 1 red pepper
- 1 cloves of garlic
- Virgin olive oil
- Salt
Considering the type of tuna used is crucial for the dish, classic tonyina de sorra in oil is dependable, but fresh seafood offers unique benefits.
Peeling tomatoes
Low heat simmering tomatoes, adding water to make tomato purée
Roasting peppers enhances their sweetness and smokiness, elevating the dish's taste.
Searing garlic and pine nuts in olive oil sets the stage.
Balancing heat ensures the ingredients meld harmoniously
Roast mixture of sliced pepper with tomato purée
Adding browned garlic and pine nuts
Sautéed tuna, garlic, and pine nuts come together for the finale.
Simmering up to 30 minutes enhances flavor complexity, allowing ingredients to communicate.
- Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor in the Titaina.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce slowly will produce a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil to your preference, but remember that it's an important component of the dish's flavor.
- Play with the seasoning to balance the flavors. The saltiness from the tuna or cod might require less additional salt.
- Traditional Valencian Titaina doesn't usually include chili peppers, but you can add a mild chili or pepper if you prefer some heat.
- For added texture and flavor, experiment with other optional additions, such as pine nuts or olives.