**Tuna Nicoise: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish**
Tuna Nicoise is a classic French salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal. The salad is made with a variety of fresh ingredients, including tuna, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and olives. It is dressed with a simple vinaigrette dressing. This recipe provides detailed instructions for making a delicious Tuna Nicoise salad, along with variations for a vegetarian version and a version with seared tuna. Additionally, there are tips for choosing the best ingredients and serving the salad for a special occasion. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, Tuna Nicoise is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
FRESH TUNA NICOISE SANDWICHES
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, easy, lunch, quick, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Beat the lemon juice, anchovy paste and olive oil together and brush this mixture on both sides of the tuna. Preheat a grill or broiler to very hot. Grill or broil the seasoned tuna briefly, two minutes or so on each side, enough to sear the outside but keep the center very rare.
- Slice the breads in half horizontally as if making hero sandwiches. Lightly toast the cut sides under the broiler or on the grill, then rub them with the cut sides of the garlic.
- Mix the mayonnaise with the olive paste and spread on the bread. Slice the tuna one-half inch thick and arrange the slices on two of the bread halves. Top with tomato slices. Remove cores from lettuce heads and arrange leaves over the tomatoes, then cover with the remaining bread. Cut each sandwich in half and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 614, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 83 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1086 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 0 grams
SALADE NIçOISE WITH FRESH TUNA
In this elegant variation of the classic French salad, seared fresh tuna stands in for the conventional canned sort. The rest of the salad can be assembled a few hours ahead, but the tuna should be cooked and placed on top of the salad just before it is served.
Provided by Jacques Pepin
Categories salads and dressings
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Place the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cool water and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to low and boil gently for 25 to 35 minutes, until the potatoes are tender but still firm when pierced with a fork. Drain off the water and set the potatoes aside until cool enough to slice.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a large bowl, mix together the mustard, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until it comes together.
- Peel the potatoes, if desired, and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Toss with the dressing.
- Bring the 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the beans, cover and return to a boil. Boil over high heat for 1 to 3 minutes (less for haricot verts and more for larger beans) until just tender but slightly firm to the bite. Drain and run under cold water for a few seconds to stop the cooking and preserve the bright green color. Cut the beans in half.
- Peel the yellow pepper as best you can with a vegetable peeler (much easier to do if the pepper is firm and thick-walled). Then cut the pepper through the pleats, remove and discard the seeds and continue peeling the skin from the pieces. Pile up the peeled pepper wedges and cut them into thin julienne strips (about 1 1/2 cups). Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise, press out the seeds and cut the unpeeled flesh into 1-inch pieces.
- No more than 1 hour before serving, add the beans, yellow pepper, red onions, tomatoes and black olives to the potatoes. Mix well.
- When almost ready to serve, heat 1 large cast-iron or heavy skillet over high heat for about 2 minutes, until very hot. Sprinkle the tuna with the remaining 2 teaspoons of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt and then roll in the canola oil. Place the tuna steak in the hot skillet and sauté over high heat for about 2 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned on the outside and cooked until rare on the inside. Cut into 1/2-inch slices.
- To serve, line a large platter with the lettuce leaves. Mound the salade niçoise in the center of the platter and place the sliced tuna and the basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 350, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 991 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use the freshest tuna possible for the best flavor.
- Sear the tuna quickly over high heat to lock in the juices.
- Do not overcook the tuna, as it will become tough.
- Use a variety of vegetables in the salad to add color and flavor.
- Use a light and tangy dressing to compliment the flavors of the tuna and vegetables.
- Serve the salad immediately.
Conclusion:
Fresh Tuna Nicoise is a classic French salad that is perfect for a summer meal. It is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The combination of seared tuna, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing is sure to please everyone at the table. With a few simple tips, you can make this salad at home and enjoy it all season long.
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