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French Style Carrot and Tuna Gratin 

(one dish meal, gluten free, good source of fibre, contains dairy)
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Hello, I’m Keely! I'm a Canadian Registered Dietitian, an avid food and recipe writer, travel bug and nutrition expert. For more information about me, check out my bio here.
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A Comforting, Cheesy, One-Dish Wonder!

This cozy, oven-baked gratin is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. My husband often makes this when it’s his turn to cook, a nostalgic nod to his childhood in France, where his mother prepared it regularly.

And like any great French-inspired recipe, you’ll find two key ingredients: wine and cheese—because, let’s be honest, what’s not to love?
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At its heart, this dish is about balance: sweet, caramelized onions and carrots meld beautifully with the briny, savory depth of tuna. A splash of dry white wine enhances the flavors, while melted, golden cheese on top creates an irresistible crust. It’s comforting yet surprisingly light, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that still feels special.

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HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL NEED
  • Canned Tuna – I like to use one can packed in water and one in olive oil for the best flavor and texture. Be sure to drain both before using.
  • Cheese – Gouda is my go-to, but Gruyère or mozzarella work beautifully. For an extra indulgent twist, mix two cheeses together—because why not?
  • White Wine – A dry white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. It enhances the sweetness of the carrots while adding a subtle acidity.
  • Canned Tomatoes – Opt for low-sodium varieties to control the seasoning. The tomatoes add richness and a hint of umami.
  • Carrots – Fresh, organic carrots bring natural sweetness. I sometimes grate mine in a food processor, but not always as a hand grater works just as well.
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Keely Fraser, PhD. RD 
 Registered Dietitian 
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French Style Carrot and Tuna Gratin

Recipe Makes: 6 servings   
Cook Time: 40 minutes 
Difficulty: Easy Peasy
This one dish meal is wonderfully comforting -loaded with veg and tastes great!
​NUTRITION PER SERVING (1 slice; 1/6 recipe) 
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​INGREDIENTS

9 medium carrots, grated (about 400g)
1 large onion, diced
2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, low sodium
2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
200g Gouda cheese, grated (or substitute mozzarella/Gruyère)

💡 Pro Tip: This gratin freezes beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep. Double the recipe, bake one tonight, and freeze the other for a quick, comforting meal later.


​HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Get the Oven Ready
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6).
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2. Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until soft, golden, and caramelized—about 5-7 minutes.
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3. Infuse with Wine & Sweetness
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the grated carrots and white wine. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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4. Add the Tomatoes & SeasoningsWhen the wine has mostly reduced, season the carrot mixture with salt and pepper, then stir in the canned tomatoes. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
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5. Assemble the Gratin
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Spread the drained tuna evenly across the bottom of an ovenproof baking dish. Spoon the carrot mixture over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
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6. The Best Part: Cheese!
Generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the top, covering the entire dish in a beautiful, melty blanket.

7. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and irresistibly bubbly.

8. Serve & Enjoy
Let the gratin rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a crisp green salad and enjoy a little taste of France at home.
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Bon appétit! 

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Keely Fraser, MSc, PDt. 
Keely Fraser is a Canadian Registered Dietitian (PDt), an avid food and recipe writer, travel bug and nutrition expert. For more information, check out Keely's bio here. 
 The information on this site is intended to inform, not prescribe.      
​For diagnosis and treatment medical and health related concerns, please seek the advice of a qualified physician. 


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