Chef Martins Big Eye Tuna Nicoise Food

SALAD NICOISE WITH SEARED TUNA

Steps:

• To make the vinaigrette: combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Screw the cap on the jar and shake the vinaigrette vigorously to emulsify. Set the dressing aside while preparing the salad so the flavors can marry.
• Cooking the potatoes, eggs, and green beans in the same pot cuts down on prep time and clean up. To do this, put the potatoes in a large saucepan, add water to cover and a nice pinch of salt; bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer the potatoes for 12 minutes to give them a head start, and then add the eggs. Place a steamer basket or colander on top of the simmering water. Put the green beans in the steamer and cover with a lid. Steam the beans for 5 minutes until crisp-tender while continuing to cook the potatoes until fork tender. Drain out the water and put the potatoes, eggs, and green beans in a colander; rinse briefly under cold water. Peel the shells off the eggs and cut them in 1/2 lengthwise.
• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Rub the tuna on all sides with olive oil, and a bit of the vinaigrette; season with a fair amount of salt and pepper. Lay the tuna in the hot pan and sear for approximately 2 minutes on each side; as the tuna cooks, the red meat will become whiter. Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and slice.
• To assemble the salad: combine the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, anchovies, capers, and chives in a large mixing bowl. Take the vinaigrette and give it another good shake to recombine. Drizzle the salad with enough vinaigrette to fully moisten and toss gently to coat; season with salt and pepper. Take care not to mush up the ingredients - the important thing about salad nicoise is that it is arranged nicely on a platter with all the elements keeping their individual integrity. Put the tossed salad down the center of a serving platter and lay the seared tuna attractively across the top and the eggs around the rim. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and serve.

GRILLED TUNA NICOISE

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Salad: Toss the potatoes and asparagus in oil to thoroughly coat and season with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes, and asparagus on grill over medium heat. Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes, turning them 3 times as they cook. Cook the asparagus for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. Place the tuna in a shallow dish and add 1/4 cup vinaigrette. Turn to coat evenly and then place on grill over medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and cut the tuna across grain in 1/2-inch slices. Arrange radicchio and lettuce around a platter, building it up slightly in the center. Place eggs, beans, asparagus, and potatoes around the platter. Fan tuna slices across top of lettuce. Add tomatoes and olives. Garnish with eggs and parsley. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad.

TUNA BAGEL NICOISE

Steps:

• Put the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel and slice.
• Meanwhile, put the green beans in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/2 cup water and a pinch of salt. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut the green beans in half.
• Drain the tuna and toss with the green beans, scallions, bell pepper, parsley, olives, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.
• Lightly toast the bagels. Layer the tomato slices, tuna salad and hard-boiled eggs on the bagel bottoms. Drizzle with olive oil and close with the bagel tops.

TUNA NIçOISE SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Toss the potatoes with 2 tsp oil and some seasoning. Tip onto a large baking tray, then roast for 20 mins, stirring halfway, until crisp, golden and cooked through.
• Meanwhile, put eggs in a small pan of water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 8-10 mins, depending on how you like them cooked. Plunge into a bowl of cold water to cool for a few mins. Peel away the shells, then cut into halves.
• In a large salad bowl, whisk together the remaining oil, red wine vinegar, capers and chopped tomatoes. Season, tip in the onion, spinach, tuna and potatoes, then gently toss together. Top with the eggs, then serve straight away.