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Marmitako

A Basque fisherman’s stew of fresh tuna, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes in a smoky paprika broth.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 35 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Marmitako

Marmitako is a Basque fisherman’s stew of fresh tuna, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, simmered in the boats that once caught the catch of the day. The tuna stays in big, juicy chunks that flake apart at the touch of a fork.

The name comes from the marmita, the pot it was cooked in, and the dish remains a coastal classic today. Serve it in deep bowls with crusty bread and a squeeze of lemon.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion and green pepper until soft, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Stir in the grated tomatoes and paprika, and simmer 5 minutes until the tomatoes thicken slightly.
  3. Add the potatoes, fish stock, wine, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Season the tuna chunks with salt and pepper and nestle them into the stew.
  5. Cook 5 minutes more, just until the tuna is opaque at the edges but still juicy in the center.
  6. Turn off the heat, cover, and rest 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaves, scatter with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Add the tuna at the very end — it should be just cooked through, like good tuna steak. Marmitako is best the day it is made, when the tuna is at its moistest.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook35 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →