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Fish, South and mountains

Tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille

Tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille are a summer dish for 4 people, ready in 45 minutes, rated easy, at €4.20 per person. The key to success is a short cooking time for the tuna, which should stay slightly pink in the center to remain tender, and a ratatouille simmered long enough to develop real flavor.

Tuna skewers scented with thyme and lemon, served with homemade ratatouille, straight from the sun.

Tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€4.20
Calories per person
520 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer

Tuna marinated in lemon and thyme keeps a tender, almost melting texture as long as you don't overcook it. The ratatouille alongside brings sweetness and softness from the tomatoes and peppers, while the eggplant and zucchini add body. Together, the grilled fish and simmered vegetables make a colorful dish that smells like summer the moment it hits the table.

This recipe works just as well for a weeknight dinner, thanks to its simple preparation, as for a Sunday meal with guests, by doubling the skewers on the grill. The ratatouille can be made the day before to save time. Mon Chou likes to serve this as soon as the weather warms up, when tomatoes and zucchini are at their best.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Fresh tuna, diced 700 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Lemon 1
  • Thyme 6 sprigs
  • Zucchini 2
  • Eggplant 1
  • Bell peppers 2
  • Tomatoes 4
  • Onion 1
  • Garlic 2 cloves

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 5 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Fish

The step by step recipe

  1. Mix the tuna with lemon juice, thyme, two tablespoons of oil, salt, and pepper. 15 min

    Don't marinate longer than this, the acidity starts to cook the fish.

  2. Dice the vegetables and sauté them in the remaining oil with the garlic. 10 min

    Add the slowest cooking vegetables first.

  3. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer covered. 20 min

    The longer it simmers, the better it tastes, it's even better the next day.

  4. Thread the tuna onto wooden skewers.

    Soak the skewers in water first so they don't burn.

  5. Grill the skewers in a pan or on the grill, two minutes per side, and serve with the ratatouille. 5 min

    Turn them gently so they keep their shape.

Our tips to get it right

  • Cut the tuna into fairly large, even cubes so it cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Pat the tuna cubes dry a bit before threading them so the marinade doesn't burn during cooking.
  • Pick ripe vegetables for the ratatouille, that's what gives it the strongest flavor in summer.

The variations

  • Swap the tuna for swordfish or salmon if you prefer a richer, fattier fish.
  • For a vegetarian version, thread cubes of halloumi or grilled zucchini onto the skewers instead of tuna.
  • To save time, serve the ratatouille cold as a salad and grill the tuna right away without a long marinade.

What to serve it with

  • White rice or couscous
  • Garlic toast
  • A glass of homemade lemonade

Storage

The ratatouille keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container, and freezes well for up to 2 months. The tuna skewers are best eaten the same day, since reheated fish loses its tenderness.

Questions about this dish

Can you prepare the skewers ahead of time?

You can marinate and cube the tuna a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Thread the skewers just before cooking so the fish stays fresh.

What fish can replace the tuna?

Swordfish, salmon, or even shrimp work well with this lemon and thyme marinade. Choose a firm fish that holds up well on skewers.

Can the ratatouille be frozen?

Yes, it freezes very well for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge, then reheat it gently in a pan.

How do you know when the tuna is cooked enough?

The tuna is ready when the outside is lightly golden but the center stays pink. Count about two minutes per side over high heat, no more.

How long does it take to make tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille?

About 520 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does tuna skewers with thyme and ratatouille cost?

About €4.20 per serving, or €16.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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