Tuna with beans and onions

Name: Tuna with beans and onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Tuna in oil drained 4.25 oz; Dry white beans 1 ¼ cup; Red Tropea onions 6 oz; Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp; Fine salt to taste

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336

Calories per serving

Gluten Free
Lactose Free

Energy Kcal 336
Carbohydrates g 34.1
of which sugars g 4.2
Protein g 22.6
Fats g 12.1
of which saturated fat g 1.99
Fiber g 11
Cholesterol mg 20
Sodium mg 396

Difficulty: Very easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Very low
Note + 12 hours of soaking the beans

PRESENTATION

So, you're wanting a taste of Southern Italy? This tuna and bean salad, locally known in Calabria as "Tonno fagioli e cipolla," is seriously good. What sets this dish apart? Well, it's all about the mix of delicate white beans and rich tuna, with sweet and tender Tropea red onions stealing the show. These onions—famous in Calabria for their high sugar content—add such a great balance to the flavors, especially when you soak them to mellow that sharpness.

And here's the thing, unlike those salads drenched in heavy dressings, this tuna bean salad sticks to its roots with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, letting the flavors really, really shine. Super simple, right? Whether it is a rustic appetizer or piled high as a hearty meal, this dish brings a golden taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

In Calabria, this tuna and white bean salad is a must-have at family gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or picnics—because, honestly, it's so tangy and easy to whip up. People love how every ingredient shines through, especially those Tropea onions. Oh, and here's a tip—salt the beans just right to keep them tender and flavorful. Even the tuna gets an upgrade when it's packed in olive oil. Makes each bite extra moist and satisfying.

Some folks toss in fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for an extra tangy kick, but really, the heart of this tuna and bean recipe is its simplicity. Those robust flavors feel both homey and special—no question. Whether you’re prepping it for a healthy lunch, a quick dinner, or a big feast, this tuna and white bean recipe from Calabria brings all the charm and authentic taste of Italian tradition right to your table. Pretty much perfect.

INGREDIENTS: Tuna in oil 4.25 oz (120 g) - drained; Dry white beans 1 ¼ cup (250 g); Red Tropea onions 6 oz (170 g); Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 g); Fine salt to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Tuna with beans and onions

To prepare tuna, beans, and onion, start with the white beans: place them in a bowl full of water and let them soak for 12 hours 1. After this time, drain and rinse them under running water 2. At this point, transfer them to a pot with water (unsalted): the water should completely cover the beans 3.

Cook the beans for 50 minutes with a lid 4, checking the cooking from time to time: the beans should be tender, but not mushy. When there are 3 or 4 minutes left until the end of cooking, add the salt 5. Once the beans are cooked, drain them well 6 and let them cool.

Move on to the Tropea onion: cut off the ends 7, peel it 8, and slice it very thinly 9. If you prefer a more delicate onion flavor, you can soak it in cold water for at least 1 hour (preferably several hours); otherwise, proceed with the recipe.

pour the now-cooled beans into a large bowl, add the onion 10 and the drained tuna 11. Season with extra virgin olive oil 12,

salt to taste 13 and mix everything well using a fork and a spoon 14. Transfer to a serving dish 15: your tuna with beans and onion is ready to be enjoyed!

Storage

It is recommended to consume tuna with beans and onions immediately after preparation: if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for one day, in an airtight container. Boiled beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or tightly sealed in a jar. Freezing is not recommended.

Advice

If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can soak the beans for 34 hours: at that point, you can boil them for about 30 minutes, always checking that they are tender but not overcooked. You can enhance your tuna, beans, and onions with a few thyme leaves or a pinch of dried oregano.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Tuna with beans and onions

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Tuna with beans and onions

Storage

Advice

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