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World Kitchen Journal
Savory Plumcake with Peppers and Tuna: The Easy Recipe
Technique
By Claire Beaumont, the Technique desk · · Italy · 4 min ·

Savory Plumcake with Peppers and Tuna: The Easy Recipe

This savory plumcake with peppers and tuna is perfect for a quick lunch, an aperitif, or a day trip.

We all know that peppers and tuna are always a winning combination, but have you ever tried it in a savory cake? The sweet flavor of peppers is perfect when paired with the savory flavor of tuna, and with just a few more ingredients, you have a delicious savory cake perfect for any occasion.

Which peppers to use for savory plum cake

When we think of plum cake, we immediately think of the sweet version. In reality, plum cakes are also delicious savory and are always convenient to serve. They can also be a sort of fridge-emptying recipe because the base is the same and you can add different ingredients depending on what you have on hand.

For this savory plum cake, I used red peppers paired with tuna. Let's just say that no one type of pepper is better than another for this recipe; you can use whichever you like, depending on the result you want.

Here are some characteristics to keep in mind when using peppers:

Red peppers are generally sweeter and riper, with firm flesh and a full-bodied flavor. They're perfect for a plum cake with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. They also pair perfectly with the savory flavor of tuna in oil.

They have a juicy flesh and a delicate flavor. They're a good choice when you want to keep the tuna pairing balanced, without letting the peppers dominate. You can also add a creamy cheese for an even lighter flavor.

Green peppers have a bolder flavor and a slightly bitter note. They can be used alone or combined with red and yellow peppers for a more colorful and flavorful plumcake. A mix of colors is always a good idea: besides the flavor, the result will be very pleasing when sliced.

Tuna in oil: is it better to buy it in a jar or can?

Personally, I buy tuna in glass jars more often because the fillets are larger and more compact and, especially in this preparation, they remain more visible even after cooking.

However, there's no standard rule that says tuna in glass jars is better than canned. Instead, it's important to read the labels to understand:

  • origin of the tuna: the FAO areas, for example, allow us to understand in which marine area the catch took place
  • type of oil used: it is best to prefer tuna preserved in extra virgin olive oil

Savory Plumcake with Peppers and Tuna: Recipe

  • 250 g of 00 flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 125g unsweetened plain yogurt
  • 2 small red peppers
  • 115 g of drained tuna in oil
  • 1 sachet of cake yeast salt
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • ½ shallot
  • 20 g extra virgin olive oil plus more for cooking the peppers
  • sale q.b.
  • pepe q.b.
  • Wash the peppers, remove the seeds and internal membranes. Cut them into chunks, sauté the chopped shallot, and cook the peppers in a pan until soft. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.
  • Beat the eggs in a large bowl, add the yogurt and extra virgin olive oil. Stir well to combine.
  • Combine the sifted flour and baking powder and mix well. Finally, add the drained peppers, tuna, and thyme leaves.
  • Bake at 180°C for 50 minutes. Let cool and serve.

How to enrich savory plum cake with peppers and tuna

This savory pepper and tuna cake is already very tasty, but you can enhance it in a variety of ways. Here are my suggestions:

  • Feta: Feta is a perfect cheese to add because it adds flavor but remains fairly firm once the cake has cooled. Add it either in cubes or crumbled.
  • Olives: perfect for adding an extra twist of flavor. I recommend using Taggiasca olives, which are perfect for cooking.
  • aromatic herbs: instead of thyme, you can also use basil or marjoram.

Savory plumcake with peppers and tuna: try it as a muffin.

This savory plum cake is very easy to slice, but for a single-serving version, you can also prepare it in muffin cups. The process is the same, but it only takes 30-35 minutes to bake. Savory muffins are ideal for buffets, appetizers, or as a delicious snack.

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