FRESH TUNA STEAKS IN THE MANNER OF TAVIRA

Steps:

• 1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic, salt, 2 tablespoons of the coriander, and the pepper to a paste; blend in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
• 2. Rub the mixture on both sides of each tuna steak and lay the steaks in a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Mix 2 tablespoons of the remaining coriander with 1/4 cup of the remaining oil, the wine, and lemon juice. Pour evenly over the tuna, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• 3. When ready to cook, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until ripples appear on the skillet bottom; add the tuna and brown about 3 minutes on each side, keeping the heat high.
• 4. Meanwhile, strain the marinade, warm in a small saucepan over moderate heat, and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup chopped coriander.
• 5. Serve sizzling hot with a little of the hot marinade spooned over each portion. Accompany with sun-ripened tomatoes, cut into wedges or rounds, and crisp slices of cucumber -- both drizzled with olive oil and vinegar.
• 6. Variation On the grill When ready to cook, make a hot charcoal fire, and when it burns down, leaving coals covered with white ash, adjust the grill so that it is about 6 inches above the coals. Brush the tuna steaks well with the marinade. Strain the remaining marinade into a little saucepan and set to one side of the grill so that it will heat as the tuna grills. Grill the tuna 3 to 4 minutes on each side, brushing often with the marinade, just until cooked through. Stir the remaining chopped coriander into the marinade, top each portion with a generous spoonful of it, and serve.