Breadfruit and Tuna Pie

Happy New Year to one and all!!
I can't believe that an entire week has already gone by in this new year of 2017.
Where does the time go so fast?
I have quite a few posts to write but for today I shall introduce you to my Breadfruit and Tuna Pie.

My girlfriend Joyce gave me two breadfruits when I paid her a visit last weekend.  Naturally I shared one with my friend Ann who came by to visit me the next day..
When Bajans speak of Breadfruit and Fish Pie here on the island one immediately thinks of a salt fish (cod) layer in the pie but I felt like using tuna and so I did just that.

Breadfruit and Tuna Pie

Gather the ingredients together.
Breadfruit
Tuna (2 tins)
Grated Vegetarian Cheese
Onion - medium size cut into pieces
Garlic - 2 cloves finely diced
Flavour Pepper (or sweet pepper can be used)
Lots of fresh garden herbs ( I used a few sprigs of Guyanese thyme and a 1/4 teaspoon of fresh rosemary)

In a small saute pan, place a little oil and add the onion, garlic, pepper and fresh herbs.
Saute for a few minutes and then add a large tablespoon of Bajan seasoning, pepper sauce, ketchup, a shake or two of Italian seasoning herbs and a generous dash of paprika.

Now it's time to tackle the breadfruit.  Don't let the coarse hard skin deter you.  The skin has a white milky sap which sticks to everything, but press onward...you need the breadfruit to make Breadfruit Pie..  Your knife can be cleaned afterwards with a little oil to get the sticky sap off.

Peel and core the breadfruit and cut into small pieces that will cook quickly.

It is better to peel the breadfruit over a plastic bag and discard....this way the sap won't get on to the table or counter surface....thus easier cleanup.

Grab a pot and fill with water and add a generous amount of salt, a teaspoon of Bajan seasoning and a little oil.
Cook until the breadfruit is tender.

In the meanwhile keep an eye on the tuna sauce.  You will know it's finished when the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

The breadfruit is done when a knife inserted easily goes through.

The cooked breadfruit water can be poured off and discarded, but I store any broth from cooked veggies and pasta  to make soups later.

Using a potato masher, mash the breadfruit with some of the cooked water and about three tablespoons of garlic butter until it is smooth.

Butter a pie dish with some garlic butter and start to layer the pie.
A bottom layer of breadfruit, followed by the tuna sauce, then a layer of cheese.
Top layer of breadfruit.
Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs and paprika.
Place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is cooked and the cheese melted.

Yummy!

I couldn't wait for lunchtime, I had to nip a piece.
Brownie was at my feet waiting impatiently, so we shared "the piece to taste".
It was so GOOOOD!!
If you don't have breadfruit, this pie can be made using potatoes as well.
What better way to start the new year than with a delightful Breadfruit and Tuna Pie?
Enjoy!!