TUNA CAKES AND RICE

Discount meal of the week #2:
Items purchased (tuna and veggies)
Total purchased: $8.00

3 pouches of lemon pepper tuna (Starkist...we get the flavored pouches when on sale)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1-2 cups of rice per person
1 bag of mixed frozen veggies (again, whatever is on sale...veggies 10 for $10 at Shop n Save)
1 Tbs butter
1 tsp salt
oregano
garlic powder
white pepper
red pepper flakes

Tuna cakes: mix in a bowl the tuna and breadcrumbs. DO NOT DRAIN THE WATER FROM THE POUCHES!! YOU NEED IT! IF MIX IS DRY, ADD A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER (tsp at a time). In skillet, put small amount of olive oil (enough to lightly coat bottom of skillet) and begin to heat over medium-high to high heat. While heating, shape tuna into cakes (like burgers)-tightly pack the cakes. 3 pouches usually make 8 tuna cakes. Place in skillet when oil is heated. Only will take 3 minutes per side to sear cakes. Then turn down heat to medium-low and cover with lid for 4 minutes while cooking rice and veggies.

Rice: We use uncle Ben's minute rice...so, follow the directions on the box. When boiling the water and salt add 1 Tbs butter. Once water comes to boil, add rice and stir. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes. Then fluff with fork and season with garlic powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Veggies: In skillet, veggies and 1 Tbs olive oil on medium-high for 10 minutes or until veggies are cooked through. Season with red pepper flakes and white pepper (or regular pepper) and salt to taste. Serve over the rice as a side for the tuna cakes!