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Fast & Easy Dinner: Tuna Pomodoro

partysugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:50:15 -0700

Before I lived in Spain, I never thought of putting canned tuna in pasta. However, the Spanish think everything tastes better with olive-oil packed tuna (including guacamole!), so I learned to love this savory pasta combination.

I suggest you give it a try with this simple recipe. The tuna is tossed with a quick garlic tomato sauce and whole wheat pasta. It's a healthy and affordable meal that comes together in mere minutes, so check out the recipe and read more.

Tuna Pomodoro
From Eating Well

Ingredients

8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 anchovies, minced (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 6-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained and flaked
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes or according to package directions. Drain.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add anchovies (if using) and crushed red pepper and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add tomatoes, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Stir in tuna and cook until it is incorporated into the sauce and heated through, 2 minutes more.
Divide the spaghetti evenly among 4 plates, top with sauce and garnish with basil. Serve hot.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: White Bean and Tuna Panzanella

partysugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:50:56 -0700

When it comes to panzanella - the classic Italian bread salad with tomatoes - I love every variation. While I've made it with heirloom tomatoes and arugula, I've never had the filling warm-weather dish with tuna and white beans.

But thanks to this recipe, I plan on doing so tonight! What's not to love about chunky tuna, crispy oil-saturated bread, and tangy pickles? The cannellini beans ensure that this salad is hearty enough to stand alone.

Check out the recipe when you read more.

White Bean and Tuna Panzanella
From Real Simple

Ingredients

1/2 baguette, torn into 2-inch pieces
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 19-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 pickles (preferably half-sour), cut into bite-size pieces
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
kosher salt and pepper
2 6-ounce cans tuna, drained

Directions

Heat broiler. On a broiler-proof rimmed baking sheet, toss the baguette pieces with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Broil until golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the beans, pickles, onion, vinegar, the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Fold in the broiled baguette. Divide the mixture among bowls and top with the tuna.

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'Wich of the Week: Pan Bagnat

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:15:09 -0700

Nicoise salad buffs, meet the pan bagnat. This classic French sandwich also hails from Nice and features the same signature olives, plus oil-packed tuna (I prefer Genova), hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and anchovies, among other yummy ingredients.

Since I've been somewhat obsessed with all things French, I recently lunched at San Francisco's Cafe Claude to satisfy my pan bagnat craving. Learn how to replicate the recipe now.

Summer of Salads: Nicoise Salad

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:15:02 -0700

Since PartySugar and I have been infatuated with salads this Summer, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to the French national holiday today with a specialty native to the Côte D'Azur region of France.

Salade Niçoise, or Niçoise salad, originated in the town of Nice, and is made with boiled new potatoes, steamed haricots verts (baby green beans), boiled eggs, local olives, cured anchovies, and tomatoes, tossed in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette and topped with tuna. I selected a recipe that uses some classic ingredients, but also incorporates a few unconventional flourishes - like seared tuna and caperberries - for a current twist.

It's extremely important to note that the tuna should be removed from the pan immediately after searing - I left it in the pan after turning off the stove, and latent heat nearly cooked the tuna through. Bring a bite of French countryside to your kitchen when you read more

Come Party With Me: Bastille Day Lunch - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:00:41 -0700

Last week I was all about America's Independence Day, and this week I'm celebrating France's freedom. Bastille Day is July 14 and to commemorate the occasion, why not host an intimate weekend lunch? Like a chic Parisian, select a menu that's stylish yet casual, and wonderfully delicious. Start with a big jar of marinated goat cheese, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and toasted baguette slices.

A refreshing bowl of vichyssoise - the classic chilled French puree consisting of leeks and potatoes - is an excellent first course, while grilled tuna salade niçoise makes an elegant entree. All three of these dishes can be prepared in advance, leaving plenty of time to mingle in the garden with guests. This delightful menu would also work well at a female-centric event like a bridal or baby shower. To check out the light French recipes, read more.

Marinated Goat Cheese, Olives, Artichokes and Tomatoes
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts
1 1/2 pounds fresh goat cheese, softened
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon hot paprika
Salt
1 quart extra-virgin olive oil
20 cooked baby artichoke hearts, from the deli counter
1 cup red cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
1 cup Niçoise olives
Toasted baguette slices, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the pine nuts in a pie plate and bake for 10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
In a standing mixer, using the paddle, blend the goat cheese with the toasted pine nuts, rosemary, thyme and paprika. Alternatively, blend the cheese in a bowl using a wooden spoon. Season with salt. Shape rounded tablespoons of the seasoned cheese into balls.
Pour 1 inch of olive oil into a tall 1-gallon glass container. Layer the cheese balls, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes and olives in the container with enough of the remaining olive oil to cover. Let marinate at room temperature for 24 hours. Serve with the toasted baguette.

Serves 12.

Make Ahead: the recipe can be assembled, minus the tomatoes, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Add the tomatoes shortly before serving.

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Vichyssoise
From Fine Cooking

Ingredients

4 medium leeks, trimmed and washed as directed opposite, sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 3 cups)
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick (about 4 cups)
2 cups whole milk
Kosher salt
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbs. thinly sliced fresh chives, for garnish

Directions

Combine the leeks, potatoes, milk, and 2 cups water in a 4-quart pot.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add 1-1/2 tsp. salt, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer until a potato slice falls apart when you poke it with a fork, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the cream, and let cool briefly.
Purée the soup, preferably using a regular blender and working in batches, filling it only half way each time.
Strain the puréed soup through a fine sieve. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally (stirring prevents a skin from forming), and then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Before serving, thin the soup with water if necessary-it should be the consistency of heavy cream. Season to taste with salt. Serve cold in chilled bowls, garnished with the chives.

Makes 6 cups.

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Grilled Tuna Salade Niçoise
From Gourmet

Ingredients

For dressing
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons minced shallot
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt
Rounded 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
For salad
3/4 lb green beans (preferably haricots verts), trimmed
1 1/2 lb small (1- to 2-inch) potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold)
1 1/2 lb (1-inch-thick) tuna steaks
Vegetable oil for brushing
1/4 cup drained bottled capers (1 1/2 oz)
3/4 lb Boston lettuce (2 heads), leaves separated and large ones torn into pieces
1 pt cherry or grape tomatoes
2/3 cup Niçoise or other small brine-cured black olives
4 hard-boiled large eggs, quartered
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley and/or basil

Directions

Make dressing: whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, garlic paste, and anchovy paste in a small bowl until combined well, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Whisk in thyme, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook beans in a 4- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking.
Add potatoes to boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes, then drain in a colander. Halve potatoes while still warm (peel if desired) and toss with 2 tablespoons dressing in a bowl, then cool.
Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderately high.
Brush tuna with oil and season with salt and pepper, then grill on lightly oiled rack, uncovered, turning over once, until browned on outside but still pink in center, 6 to 8 minutes total. Let tuna stand 3 minutes, then break into large (3-inch) pieces. Transfer tuna to a large platter and drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons dressing and top with capers.
Transfer potatoes to platter with tuna, reserving bowl.
Drain beans and pat dry. Toss beans in bowl with 1 tablespoon dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter.
Toss lettuce in bowl with 2 tablespoons dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter.
Toss tomatoes in bowl with 1 tablespoon dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter.
Arrange olives and eggs on platter and sprinkle salad with parsley and/or basil. Serve salad with remaining dressing on the side.

Serves 6.

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Get Hooked on Tuna Poke

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:15:17 -0700

After enjoying my fair share of seafood in Oahu and at Sam's Chowder House, I had a craving for one of my favorites dishes, tuna poke, and I decided to experiment with it at home. The key is to buy high quality tuna - either sushi or sashimi grade. Luckily, I found sushi grade tuna (imported from the Honolulu Auction) at Berkeley Bowl, a local market where many Hawaiian restaurants purchase their daily catches.

It only takes a few minutes of chopping and a couple quick stirs to prepare this dish. For extra heat, I added two types of chiles to the tuna poke. However, the spiciness is balanced by the creamy and cooling guacamole. I served mine with store-bought tortilla chips, but it would also be wonderful with freshly fried wontons or plantain chips. If you have taken the bait and want to celebrate Summer with this simply scrumptious appetizer, keep reading!

Fast & Easy Dinner: Rosemary Tuna With White Beans

partysugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:50:19 -0700

Tonight, plate up a fiber-rich meal of fish, beans, and greens. In this recipe, ahi tuna is rubbed with a quick homemade rosemary oil before being seared to perfection. Garlicky kale with white beans and cherry tomatoes makes a simple but satisfying side.

Though this dish is healthy, it doesn't lack fresh flavor. If you dislike tuna, substitute chicken breast cutlets or peeled and deveined shrimp. To look at the recipe, please read more.

Rosemary Tuna With White Beans
From Whole Living

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, 1 thinly sliced and 1 minced
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 pound ahi tuna steak (1 1/2 inches thick)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
3 to 4 kale leaves, thinly sliced (1 cup)
3/4 cup homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
2 cups canned cannellini beans, rinsed
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 1/2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon oil and sliced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. When garlic begins to sizzle, remove and discard. Add rosemary to oil, and immediately pour into a heatproof bowl. Let cool slightly.
Season tuna with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Rub half the rosemary oil over tuna. Let stand 15 minutes.
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add tuna, and sear until dark golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate, and cover loosely with parchment. Let rest.
Heat remaining teaspoon oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add thyme, red-pepper flakes, and minced garlic, and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
Add kale, and cook 2 minutes. Add stock, and simmer 5 minutes.
Add beans and tomatoes, and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in vinegar and remaining salt and pepper.
Thinly slice tuna. Drizzle rosemary oil over tuna and beans on serving plates.

Serves 4.

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Definition: Poke

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:58 -0700

Pronounced "po-kay," this traditional Hawaiian dish combines bite-size pieces of raw tuna with a special blend of seasonings. Most poke contains soy sauce and sesame oil, and other ingredients include sesame seeds, green onions, and chiles. Though it is a prized local specialty, poke's popularity has spread nationwide - I recently enjoyed some at
Sam's Chowder House.

Monday's Leftovers: Seared Tuna With Avocado Salsa Verde

YumSugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:50:52 -0700

More often than not, we require Monday night meals that are speedy and effortless - but that doesn't mean dinner has to be boring and tasteless.

Set aside your routine chicken and pasta dishes in favor of a lean, light fish dish that uses leftover tuna steaks, maximizes seasonal ingredients, and cooks in no time. To make a unique and untraditional Monday night meal, read more.

Seared Tuna With Avocado Salsa Verde
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

2/3 cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 tablespoons drained capers
1 clove garlic, smashed
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tuna steaks, about 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds in all)
1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch chunks

Directions

Put the parsley, capers, garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper into a food processor. Pulse to chop, six to eight times. With the machine running, add the 1/2 cup oil in a thin stream to make a coarse puree. Leave the sauce in the food processor and, if necessary, pulse to re-emulsify just before serving.
Heat a grill pan or heavy cast-iron pan over moderately high heat. Rub the tuna steaks all over with the 1 tablespoon oil. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook the fish for 3 minutes. Turn and cook until done to your taste, 3 to 4 minutes longer for medium rare. To serve, top the tuna steaks with the avocado and drizzle with the sauce.

Serves 4.

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Sunday Dinner: Tuna- and Potato-Stuffed Ancho Chiles

YumSugar — Sun, 03 May 2009 06:00:16 -0700

Have a lazy Sunday to spare? Then invite some close friends over and celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with an authentic recipe for Chiles Anchos Rellenos de Atún con Papas.

Translation: it's a delicious dish consisting of smoky, dried poblano chiles, softened in sweet brown sugar and stuffed with tuna, red-skinned potatoes, and a mixture of lime juice, cream, and cilantro. To make this crave-worthy Latin course, read more.

Tuna- and Potato-Stuffed Ancho Chiles
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

3 cups water
9 ounces piloncillo*
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large ancho chiles
1 pound red-skinned potatoes
1 pound 1-inch-thick ahi tuna steaks
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chopped white onion
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons whipping cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
4 ounces mixed baby greens
1 large avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, cut into 12 slices

Directions

Bring 3 cups water and piloncillo to boil in medium saucepan. Add white vinegar, canela, and salt; simmer until piloncillo has dissolved, stirring often, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add chiles and soak until softened, occasionally pressing to submerge, about 1 hour; drain. Pat chiles dry; slit lengthwise and remove seeds.
Cook red-skinned potatoes in pot of boiling salted water until skewer easily pierces centers, about 35 minutes. Drain. Cool, peel, and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Season tuna with salt. Grill until light brown at edges but pink in center, about 3 minutes per side. Cut tuna into 1-inch cubes. Whisk together 1/4 cup oil and next 5 ingredients in large bowl. Fold in potatoes and tuna. Season with salt. Fill chiles with tuna-potato mixture.
Whisk remaining 1/4 cup oil, apple cider vinegar, and cilantro in medium bowl. Season with salt. In large bowl, toss greens with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette to coat. Divide salad among plates. Top with chiles and avocado slices; drizzle with some of remaining vinaigrette.

Serves 6.

*Note: Piloncillo is Mexican raw sugar shaped into hard cones. Smaller chunks are sometimes labeled panocha. If neither is available, substitute an equal weight of packed dark brown sugar.

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