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Recipe Corner
Tuscan Bread Salad with Seared Tuna

Holland America Line's Culinary Arts Center program, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, is a groundbreaking program that integrates guests' love for fine food and wine with a unique and entertaining experience. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and tastes of the ports of call you will visit. Sample fine wines from around the world or learn to make a new gourmet dish in a hands-on cooking class taught by our own Master Chefs or Culinary Guests.

Tuscan Bread Salad with Seared Tuna

Serves 4

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 loaf Italian bread (about a pound), cut into cubes
  • 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup lightly packed basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Tuna

  • 4 (1-inch thick) tuna steaks, about 1½ pounds
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 sprigs basil (for garnish)

Salad

Heat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Bake until golden, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let cool to room temperature. In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, onion, and chopped basil. Stir gently until just combined. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Tuna

Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Rub the tuna steaks with the olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Without crowding (work in batches if necessary), place the tuna steaks in the pan and sear them on each side for less than a minute per side, or until they are crusted on the outside but still pink and raw in the middle.

Remove the tuna from the skillet and let it rest briefly until cool enough to handle. Slice the tuna into thin slices.

To serve, divide the bread salad among plates. Top with the slices of tuna and garnish with the basil sprigs. Serve immediately.

Feel free to grill the tuna instead of searing it, or added flavour and rusticity. Grilled chicken or salmon also pair well with the bread salad.
Ensemble Travel Group

IMPORTANT: When booking, ask us for the appropriate supplier brochure for complete details and terms and conditions for your vacations and as well inquire about any possible past guest savings. Offers are space available and may be withdrawn at anytime without prior notice and are not combinable with other offers (unless stated otherwise). All prices, details and offers are subject to change. We are not responsible for errors or omissions.

Articles by Susan Milne

 Ensemble Travel Group - Experience That Takes You Places