Ruben's (Maid's) Tuna Pie

This savory pie was inspired by one cooked by my college roommate Ruben, who moved into our apartment armed with a list of recipes of his favorite meals prepared by his maid, whose name I unfortunately can't remember. The original recipe called for giardiniera, or pickled vegetables, which I would mostly pick out. In my version I threw in some of my favorite veggies and used a frozen crust to save time.



Ingredients

• 1 whole wheat pastry crust
• 1.5 cups white sauce (see below)
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 3/4 cup frozen vegetables thawed and drained (i use broccoli and pepper combination)
• 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen corn ( thaw and drain)
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

White Sauce

• 3 tbl butter
• 3 tbl sifted flour
• 1 cup milk + 1/2 cup water
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisk. Add 1/2 cup milk mixture at a time. Continue to whisk allowing sauce to thicken before adding remaining liquid. Add salt and pepper.
   
2. Turn heat down to low.
3. Add drained tuna, stir.
4. Add vegetables, stir.
5. Pour into pastry crust.
6. Bake for 35 minutes.
7. Cool and enjoy!
   

Stuffed Peppers per Uno

Ingredients (serves one)

• 1 green bell Pepper
  
• 1 medium tomato (or half can diced tomatoes)
• 1 cup soy protein crumbles or cooked ground beef/turkey
  
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 small onion
• 1/2 tsp tomato paste (omit if using canned)
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 3 fresh basil leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  
• hot pepper sauce
• pinch garlic powder
• shredded parmesan cheese (or your favorite)
  
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper

1. Cut tops off of peppers and remove seeds. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Swirl olive oil around medium sized saute pan over medium heat and add garlic and onions. Cook until translucent. Add meat, rice and tomatoes. Stir. Next add add worcestershire, salt, pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce and basil.

3. Place peppers in an lightly oiled baking dish cut sides up. Spoon in filling and brush a little olive oil on skins of peppers. Add a small amount of cheese on top.

Bake for 25-35 minutes and enjoy.