Albacore Roasted In A Bed Of Lettuce Food

ALBACORE ROASTED IN A BED OF LETTUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Make small slits in the tuna steaks with the tip of a paring knife and slide the anchovy pieces into the slits. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and set aside. Measure the thickness of the tuna steaks; this will determine the roasting time.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet or saucepan and add the onions. Cook, stirring, until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir until it is fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute, and stir in the tomatoes, optional saffron, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down slightly and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Heat a large, heavy ovenproof casserole over high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season the tuna steaks on both sides with salt and pepper and sear for 30 seconds on both sides (make sure the pot is hot when you add them or they will stick). Transfer to a plate. Stir in half the tomato sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, and remove from the heat.
• Lay half the lettuce leaves over the tomato sauce and place the tuna steaks on top of the lettuce leaves in a single layer. Cover the steaks with the lemon slices, and spoon on the remaining tomato sauce. If there are any more lemon slices, lay them over the tomato sauce. Top with the remaining lettuce leaves. Pour the wine into the pot.
• Cover tightly and place in the oven. Bake 1 1/2-inch thick steaks for 15 minutes, 2-inch thick steaks for 20 minutes.
• To serve, remove the lettuce to a cutting board and slice in thin strips. Transfer the tuna to a warm platter. Remove the lemon slices and discard if desired. Bring the sauce in the pan to a simmer over high heat and reduce for about 5 minutes. Stir the sauce, and spoon over the tuna. Garnish with the lettuce, or serve it separately in a bowl. You can also discard it, but I like the taste and texture. Slice the fish across the grain and serve.

MY FAVORITE ALBACORE TUNA SALAD

Steps:

• DRAIN 12 ounces solid white Albacore tuna; SET aside.
• CHOP all SALAD ingredients to specifications.
• WHISK the following DRESSING ingredients in a medium bowl: 1/2 cup real mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt.
• STIR in the tuna; BREAK up tuna with a fork until desired consistency is reached (I like mine slightly chunky).
• FOLD in remaining SALAD ingredients until mixture is evenly blended (1/3 cup diced celery, 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles (Mt. Olive Zesty Garlic Dills), 2 tablespoons minced fresh baby dill, 2 tablespoons chopped red onion, 1 tablespoon snipped green onion tops, 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh flat leaf parsley, and 2 teaspoons imported non-pariel capers).
• SERVE on your favorite bread, or serve on a bed of lettuce, with vine-ripened tomatoes, ripe avocado, and a light Italian vinaigrette, garnished with a whole black olive and a sprig of fresh dill or parsley if desired; ENJOY!