I spent the week-end at my parents’ again, and I knew I wouldn’t be in the mood for anything complicated when I got back on Sunday evening, so I had already planned that this is what I was going to eat. Plus, this would be one of those dishes that I prefer to keep for alone nights, because I would be the only one at home who actually enjoys them a lot.

Not only are tuna fish patties super easy to make, I find they are the best life saver when you have close to nothing left in your cupboards. All you need to do is open up a can of tuna, add some egg whites, a few tablespoons of whole wheat breadcrumbs and you’re all set. Of course, it’s always great to add a little bit of this and a little bit of that for some extra flavour, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Tonight, I chose to add olives and green onions, with a hint of fresh dill because I happened to have some in the fridge. But really here, the possibilities are endless. You could use celery, bell peppers, red onions, corn, green peas, capers, grated carrots, wilted spinach, just let your inspiration guide you.

You can serve your tuna patties as is, but you could also make them into a tuna burger, or do like I did tonight: wrap them in a pita bread to turn them into an innovative and very different tuna fish sandwich.

To me, this is a classic recipe; one of those recipes that you want to know by heart because it’s just so convenient, simple, quick, and delicious!

Ingredients
(makes 2-3 patties)

  • 1 can chunk light tuna, in water, drained
  • 2 tbsp low fat plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tsp sliced green olives
  • 1 tsp sliced kalamata olives
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Generous pinch black pepper

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients together.
  • Coat a non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
  • With a spoon, drop tuna mixture in the pan to form 2 or 3 patties. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes, until nice and golden and the patties hold their shape enough to be flipped. Flip your patties very delicately and cook the other side for 3 -5 minutes.
  • Serve as is or on hamburger bun or pita bread. Garnish with a dollop low fat plain yogurt or sour cream and alfalfa sprouts, if desired.