Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

A quick and budget-friendly curry using pantry staples like canned tuna, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, ready in 30-45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights with a protein-packed, comforting meal.

  • Total Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1.7 fluid ounces olive oil or any neutral oil (e.g., canola)
  • 14.1 ounces canned tuna, drained (preferably chunk light or solid white albacore packed in water)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 tomatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces (or 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 3 onions, finely chopped (red or white)
  • 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise but not cut all the way through (e.g., jalapeños or serranos)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
  2. Add finely chopped onions and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
  4. Sprinkle salt, chili powder, and turmeric over the onions and garlic.
  5. Stir and cook the spices for 3–4 minutes to bloom their flavors.
  6. Add diced tomatoes to the pan.
  7. Cook tomatoes for 4–5 minutes until they soften and form a saucy base.
  8. Add drained canned tuna and gently break it up with a spatula; cook for 5–7 minutes to marry flavors.
  9. Add slit green chilies and cook for 1–2 minutes so they release their heat and flavor.

Notes

Keep some of the flavorful oil from canned tuna to maintain moisture and richness., Add tuna after onions are golden and tomatoes have softened to prevent over-breaking the fish., Bloom spices in oil to unlock their flavors., Remove seeds from green chilies to reduce heat if desired., Serve with fluffy white rice, naan, cauliflower rice, or cucumber raita for a balanced meal., The dish freezes well for up to 2 months and keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days., Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water if too thick.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: approx. 250-300 kcal per serving
  • Fat: approx. 15g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: approx. 10-15g per serving
  • Protein: approx. 25g per serving