Tuna, red onion, potato and rocket salad

Recipe courtesy of Co-op Food Magazine.

Tuna and potato salad

Serves : 6 (as a side dish)

Ready in 30 minutes

 Ingredients :
300g fresh tuna steak
1 tsp olive oil
650g baby new potatoes
1 medium red onion (chopped)
1 tblsp capers (optional)
1 bag rocket leaves

Dressing :
1 dessertspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tblsp olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Step One : Heat a griddle or frying pan until hot.  Add a tsp of oil to the pan and then cook the tuna on both sides until done.  Cool a little, then chop into chunks.

Step Two : Boil the potatoes in a separate pan of water, drain and mix in the tuna.

Step Three : Add the chopped onion and capers (if using).  Put all the dressing ingredients into a clean jar and shake until emulsified the add to salad mix.

Step Four : Store in fridge or cool bag until needed.  When ready to eat, toss the rocket leaves into the salad and serve.

Fresh Tuna Nicoise

Recipe courtesy of Psychologies Magazine (Spring 2018 edition).  Recipe taken from Feasting by Amanda Ruben.  

This more sophisticated version of your average tuna salad is a great dish for entertaining.  The rest of the salad can be assembled a few hours ahead, but leave the tuna and poached eggs until last to make it restaurant quality.

Serves:  8-10

Ingredients:
250g green beans, trimmed, 300g Kipfler (finger) potatoes, 60ml olive oil, plus extra for the tuna, 80ml vinegar, 4 eggs, 600g yellowfin tuna fillets, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 12 baby cos lettuce leaves, 200g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved, Squeeze of lemon, Dill sprigs, to garnish, Edible flowers, to garnish (optional)

Black Olive Tapenade Dressing:
80g black Kalamata olives, pitted and diced, 1 tbsp capers in brine, drained and diced, 20g flat-leaf parsley, finely shredded, ¼ red chilli, seeded and finely diced, Juice of ½ lemon, 1 ½ tbsp olive oil

Tuna Mayonnaise:
500g mayonnaise, 200g tinned tuna, drained, 1 tbsp capers in brine, drained, Juice of ½ lemon, 4 anchovy fillets

Tuna Spice Mix:
1 tsp fennel seeds, freshly ground, 1 tsp coriander seeds, freshly ground

Method:

  1. Fill a saucepan with 2 litres of water and bring to the boil.  Blanch the beans for 90 seconds, then drain and refresh in cold water.  Drain again, then transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.  Put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water.  Add a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil.  Reduce the heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until cooked.  Drain the potatoes, then peel and cut into slices while warm.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat.  Fry the potatoes in batches, adding more oil as needed, until brown and crispy on both sides.  Drain on paper towels.
  3. Cut the tuna fillet into three pieces and rub with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.  Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat and sear the tuna for about 20 seconds on each side.  Set aside to cool.
  4. Make the tapenade dressing by mixing all the ingredients in a bowl.  For the tuna mayo, blend the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  5. Brush the tuna pieces with the mustard and roll in a bowl with the combined spice mix.  Slice into 1.5cm pieces.  Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, then add the vinegar.  Reduce the heat to simmer, give the water a swirl and crack in the eggs one at a time.  Cook for 3 minutes.  Remove with a slotted spoon.  Rest on paper towels
  6. To assemble, arrange some cos leaves on a plate and top with one third of the sliced tuna, beans, potatoes, tomatoes and tapenade.  Repeat with two more layers, finishing with spoonfuls of tapenade, lemon juice and the dill sprigs.  Top with eggs and edible flowers if using.  Serve with the tuna mayonnaise.

Tuna Fishcakes

Serves:  6;  Cals per portion:  291;  Prep time:  20 mins;  Cooking time:  15 mins

Ingredients:  400g can line caught tuna in brine, drained; 3 ½ oz (90g) instant mashed potato powder; 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley; 2 tsp lemon juice; 1 egg, size 3, beaten; 2oz (50g) wholemeal breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp butter, melted; salad leaves, lemon wedges and dill sprigs to garnish

For the sauce:  ½ pt/300ml soured cream; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill; lemon zest to garnish

  • Place the tuna in a large mixing bowl and flake well with a fork.
  • Place potato powder in a separate bowl, add 13fl oz (375ml) boiling water, then mix well and stir into the tuna, along with parsley and lemon juice.  Season, then leave to cool slightly and shape into six equal-sized fishcakes.
  • Place egg in bowl and breadcrumbs on a plate.  Roll fishcakes in egg, then in breadcrumbs until coated.  Cook on barbecue or under hot grill, brushing with butter and turning, for 15 mins.
  • Meanwhile, make the sauce: Mix together all ingredients and garnish.  Garnish fishcakes, serve with sauce.