Marmitako de Bonito (Basque Tuna and Potato Stew)
Why this recipe works
- Deep savoury base: Slowly softened onion, pepper, garlic, tomato and sweet paprika create a rich foundation before the fish stock is added.
- Naturally thickened broth: Chunky potatoes release starch as they simmer, giving the stew body without cream or flour.
- Tender fish finish: Adding the tuna at the end keeps it just cooked and moist, which is essential to the character of marmitako.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve soon after adding the tuna: The stew is at its best shortly after the fish has turned opaque and rested briefly in the hot broth.
- Let it settle before serving: A short rest off the heat helps the tuna finish gently and allows the broth to thicken slightly.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm tuna steak: Use a tuna steak that can be cut into large chunks so it holds its shape in the stew.
- Keep the potatoes chunky: Larger bite-sized potato pieces help create the classic hearty texture and prevent the stew from becoming too loose.
- Use sweet paprika: Sweet paprika gives warmth and colour without turning the stew spicy.
Authenticity notes
- Basque coastal style: Marmitako is closely associated with Basque seafood cooking, where tuna, potatoes and peppers are simmered into a practical fisherman-style stew.
- Simple bowl serving: It is typically served as a generous brothy stew rather than a dry fish dish, with the potatoes and stock as important as the tuna.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the base ahead: The pepper, tomato, stock and potato base can be prepared in advance; add the tuna only when reheating to serve.
- Reheat gently: Warm the stew over low heat and avoid a hard boil, especially once the tuna has been added, to keep the fish tender.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve and thinly slice the onion. Deseed and slice the red pepper, then peel the garlic and finely chop it.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and red pepper with a pinch of the fine sea salt, then cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sweet paprika and stir for 10 seconds so it blooms without catching.
- Grate the tomatoes on the coarse side of a grater into a bowl, discarding the skins. Tip the tomato into the pot and cook for 5 minutes until reduced and jammy.
- Pour in the fish stock and add the bay leaves and remaining fine sea salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunky, bite-sized pieces. Add to the pot and simmer for 18 to 22 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
- Cut the tuna into large chunks. Stir it into the hot stew, turn the heat to low, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until just opaque; do not boil or it will tighten.
- Remove the pot from the heat and rest for 5 minutes so the tuna stays tender. Fish out the bay leaves, then ladle into bowls with plenty of broth.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the classic marmitako texture, keep the potato pieces chunky and let the stew simmer gently so the broth turns naturally silky as the potatoes cook.
- Add the tuna right at the end and keep the stew below a simmer; it should cook through in the residual heat and stay moist.
- If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the tuna is cooked through to your preferred level rather than leaving it very rare in the centre.
Substitutions
- Replace Tuna steak with Salmon fillet for a richer, slightly oilier stew; add it at the end in the same way.
- Replace Red pepper with Yellow pepper for a sweeter flavour and brighter colour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, avoiding a hard boil to keep the tuna tender.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Spanish
-
Allergens:
Fish
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