By Sunday dinner with whoever comes — Luis Jr. sometimes, Isabella after shifts, Sofia always, Diego when he's in town, Camila after rehearsals. The table is never full anymore (the children have their own tables now) but the table is never empty (someone always comes), and the never-empty is the gift, and the gift is the caldo, and the caldo is Rosa.
The caldo is Rosa’s gift, and I cannot make Rosa’s caldo — nobody can but her. What I can make is something just as steady, just as without pretense: tuna patties, golden in a pan, ready before anyone has taken off their coat. They are the thing I make when Sofia walks in first and I need the kitchen to smell like someone was already expecting her. Simple food holds the table while the table waits to be filled.
Tuna Patties Cakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained well
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil, for pan-frying
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the mixture. In a medium bowl, add the drained tuna, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should hold together when pressed; if it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- Form the patties. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Use your hands to press and shape each into a round patty about 1/2 inch thick. Set them on a plate. If time allows, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
- Heat the pan. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
- Pan-fry the patties. Working in batches if needed, add the patties to the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook another 3 minutes on the second side until equally golden and heated through.
- Drain and serve. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate for a minute. Serve warm with lemon wedges alongside a simple salad, rice, or whatever else is already on the table.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 230 | Protein: 22g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 420mg