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Atún mechado

(Braised Tuna with Bacon)

Atún mechado is a traditional dish originating from Málaga. It’s made with a combination of tuna, bacon, peppercorns, garlic, flour, olive oil, onions, carrots, cloves, bay leaves, parsley, and either sherry or white wine. The bacon is rolled in crushed peppercorns, then inserted into slits that have been cut into the sides of the fish.


The same process is repeated with slices of garlic. The fish is then dusted with flour and browned in olive oil, while the remaining garlic is fried with onions and carrots until the ingredients soften. The wine, bay leaves, cloves, and water are then added to the pan, and the contents are placed into a casserole with the browned tuna.


The fish is braised gently in the oven until the sauce is reduced. This dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes or rice on the side, and it’s often garnished with parsley.