Tuna and Cheese Pastries: Pan Fried or Baked Recipe

If there’s one thing I love about home, it’s a dinner that comes together in a flash, yet still feels like a real treat. This wonderful, soft yeast-dough tuna and cheese pastry is exactly that. It’s simple,
satisfying, and most importantly: it gives any bakery a serious fight!

Whenever I look for a quick and easy solution that will satisfy the kids and make the whole family feel indulged, I always come back to this tuna and cheese pastry.

The filling in this pastry is classic, rich, and fragrant: juicy tuna mixed with melted cheese, a touch of onion and pepper that delivers the perfect bite, all encased in a soft yeast dough.

Whether you choose to bake it in the oven (for those who love a bit of crunch) or quickly make it on a pan (for those days when “I’m hungry!” was said half an hour ago), it’s going to disappear from the
table in record time. Get ready for compliments, and maybe a small squabble over the last piece.

6 Units

Ingredients:

300 g plain flour (2 cups + 2 additional tablespoons)
Half a tablespoon of dry yeast
3/4 tablespoon of sugar
A teaspoon of salt
60 ml of oil (a quarter cup)
160 ml of lukewarm water (less than three-quarters of a cup)

Filling:
160 g can of tuna, drained (small)
A medium onion, cut into small cubes
Half a cup of grated cheese (optional, you can add an additional can of tuna)
A large red pepper / hot pepper, cut into small cubes (for spiciness)
A teaspoon of crushed garlic
A teaspoon of ketchup
A teaspoon of honey
Half a teaspoon of black pepper
Half a teaspoon of salt

Preparation:

1.) For the Dough: Put the flour, yeast, and sugar in the mixer bowl. Mix lightly and add the salt. Add the oil and water. Using the dough hook, knead at low speed until a soft and smooth dough is formed.
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2.) Gather the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and let it rise for about 30 minutes. On
really cold days, let it rise for at least an hour (I am patient).
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3.) For the Filling: Meanwhile, while the dough is slowly rising, make the filling: Preheat a pan over medium heat with 2 – 3 tablespoons of oil. Fry the diced onion and pepper until golden and transfer to a bowl. Add the crumbled tuna, garlic, cheese, honey, and ketchup. Add the salt and pepper, and mix until the mixture is smooth.
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4.) Divide the dough into 6 balls and flatten each one into a rectangle the size of 16×17.
Place a generous tablespoon of the filling on the upper part of the rectangle and spread it into an even layer.
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5.) Fold the bottom part over the filling and firmly tight the edges (so none of the good stuff escapes).
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6.) Frying Option: Preheat a wide pan with 4 – 5 tablespoons of oil (a grill pan gives beautiful, golden stripes). Fry until nicely golden, flip, and keep frying until golden on all sides.
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7.) Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 180°C/356°F. Before folding the dough, brush the edges with an egg. Fold, brush again and sprinkle some sesame. It resembles a giant, indulgent turnover.
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8.) Bake for about 25 – 30 minutes, or until golden.
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9.) Cut in half (don’t forget to take a picture first!), and devour. This is wonderful with fresh vegetables and there you have it! An amazing dinner.