Ahinosalata Sea Urchin Roe Meze Recipes

SEA URCHIN MOUSSE WITH GINGER VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Make mousse:
• Sprinkle gelatin over broth in a small saucepan and let stand 1 minute to soften, then cook over moderate heat, stirring, until dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Force uni through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, scraping bottom of sieve occasionally.
• Whisk in yolk, salt, lemon juice, and cayenne, then add broth mixture, whisking. Return to saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until it registers 170°F on thermometer, 2 to 3 minutes. (Do not let simmer or egg will curdle.) Transfer mixture to a bowl set in a larger bowl of ice and cold water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until mixture is cold and the consistency of raw egg whites, about 10 minutes.
• Beat cream with an electric mixer until it just holds soft peaks, then fold cream into uni mixture gently but thoroughly. Chill, covered, until set, about 1 hour.
• Make vinaigrette while mousse chills:
• Press hard on ginger in a small fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl to extract 1 teaspoon juice (discard solids), then whisk in lemon juice and salt. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• To serve:
• Spoon 1/4 cup mousse onto each of 6 plates, then drizzle with some vinaigrette.

AHINOSALATA (SEA URCHIN ROE MEZE)

Steps:

• In a little bowl, empty the sea urchin roe and juices and 'dress' with the evoo and lemon juice. (how you go about cracking the sea urchin is your own darned problem! ;-)).
• Enjoy with little husks of the best bread you can find.
• I like to dip the bread into the roe and juices to sop up some liquid, then top off with a little of the roe. Enjoy with sips of a very dry, cold white wine.
• Ideally, this should be accompanied by a Greek sunset and music by Nikos Xylouris. Oh, and sand between your toes is a MUST!

SESAME-CRUSTED AHI WITH PONZU VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl. Lightly rub the tuna in the olive oil, then sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Press the tuna into the sesame seeds, applying firm pressure so the seeds stick. Cover completely and chill in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 5 minutes, to allow the seeds to stick.
• For the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, ponzu, soy, vinegar, sesame oil and Fresno. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
• In a large nonstick pan, heat 1/2 inch canola oil to 320 degrees F.
• Add the shallots to the oil in small batches and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and drain. Season with salt.
• Add 1/4 cup olive oil to another large, nonstick pan and turn the heat on high until hot. Add the sesame-crusted tuna and sear all over for 30 seconds on each side. Remove from the pan and slice 1/2-inch thick.
• Shingle the tuna on a platter, then sprinkle over the fried shallots and sliced scallions. Serve with the vinaigrette alongside.