TIMOR-LESTE: Tuna with Potatoes and Cabbage (Cozido)

Portugal occupied Timor-Leste for 450 years, a reign ending in 2002, so influenced much of the island's culture and cuisine. Cozido is an adaptation of a Portuguese dish. Salted cod is the predominant protein, but canned tuna is used by many, especially on the island, as it is more readily available. This was like a low maintenance tuna Niçoise — a quick summer meal.

Tuna with Potatoes and Cabbage (Cozido)

4 Yukon gold potatoes

4 large eggs

½ small head of green or Savor cabbage

1 teaspoon table salt

1 teaspoon peas

1 cup frozen peas or peas and carrot

1 can tuna in oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Wash the potatoes. Peel the skin and cut into large equal chunks. Slice the cabbage into approximately 8 pieces.

2. Place the put the potatoes, cabbage eggs, and salt into a medium pot. Fill with water. Bring to a boil and set a timer for 8 minutes. Reduce to a rolling simmer.

3. At the 8-minute mark, remove the eggs with a slotted spoon or spider. Run under cold water until cool enough h to peel. Peel and cut vertically into quarters.

4. Check the potatoes are cooked by using skewer or fork. The skewer or fork should pierce through the potato without much force. (This should between take between 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes).

5. When the potatoes are just on the cusp of completion, add in the frozen pea or peas and carrots. When all of the veggies are cooked through, remove and drain. If desired, cut down the cabbage further.

6. If you prefer, cut it the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Place all of the veggies in a large bowl. Flake the tun overtop. Drizzle with the extra oil from the tuna, the olive oil, and the soy. Squeeze the lemon on top. Add in the eggs, again cutting smaller if preferred, Toss gently.

7. Serve hot or cold!

   
   

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FUN FACTS:

• Timor-Leste was the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.

• It is the only country in Asia with Portuguese as the official language.

• The United States dollar (USD) is the main currency of the island, however, East Timorese centavos are used for coins.