Welcome to the sunny shores of Cape Verde, where the azure waters are teeming with fresh catches waiting to be transformed into culinary masterpieces. One such delight is the Cape Verde Grilled Tuna—a dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of the islands and the bounty of the sea.

In this recipe, we'll take you on a gastronomic journey to Cape Verde, where the tantalizing aroma of grilled tuna mingles with aromatic spices and zesty marinades. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply craving a taste of island life, this recipe promises to transport your taste buds to paradise.

Get ready to fire up the grill and savor the flavors of Cape Verde with every succulent bite of this Grilled Tuna dish. Let's dive in and discover the secrets to creating this unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 fresh tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and lime juice to create a marinade.

3- Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels and place them in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.

4- Pour the marinade over the tuna steaks, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5- Once marinated, remove the tuna steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature while you prepare the grill.

6- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tuna steaks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steaks, until they are nicely charred on the outside but still pink in the center, or cooked to your desired level of doneness.

7- Remove the grilled tuna steaks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

8- Serve the grilled tuna hot, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your Cape Verde Grilled Tuna with your favorite side dishes or salads for a delicious and nutritious meal!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cape Verde Grilled Tuna recipe:

Fresh Tuna Steaks (6 oz each):

• Calories: 192 kcal
• Protein: 42 g
• Fat: 1.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg
• Sodium: 72 mg

benefits:

• Rich source of high-quality protein.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as selenium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 238 kcal
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 18.5 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.4 g
• Vitamin E: 1.9 mg
• Vitamin K: 8.1 µg

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats may help lower the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May contribute to improved skin health and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 0.4 g

benefits:

• Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Can boost the immune system and promote overall wellness.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 0.3 g

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Contains capsaicin, which may aid in weight management and metabolism.
• Adds flavor and color to dishes without adding significant calories.

Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 0.2 g

benefits:

• May aid digestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes.

Ground Coriander (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.6 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and may help lower cholesterol levels.
• Contains antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
• Adds a unique flavor and aroma to dishes.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Sodium: 1162 mg

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve function in the body.
• Provides sodium, which is necessary for muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
• However, excessive salt intake may contribute to high blood pressure, so moderation is key.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Sodium: 0 mg

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and digestion.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds flavor and depth to dishes.

Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Sugars: 0.2 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports skin health.
• Contains antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases.
• Adds acidity and brightness to dishes without extra calories.

Nutritional values for lime wedges and garnishes are minimal and can be neglected in the total count.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific varieties of ingredients used.