Barefoot Contessa Tuna Nicoise Platter Recipes

ROASTED SALMON NICOISE PLATTER

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• For the marinade, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard, garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons salt and 1/2 tablespoon pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
• Place the salmon on a sheet pan that has been covered in aluminum foil, and drizzle the marinade over the salmon. Allow the salmon to sit for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the potatoes and 2 tablespoons salt in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot off the heat and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel. Leave the potatoes to steam for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender but firm. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in thick slices and set aside.
• Place the salmon in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is almost cooked through. Remove to a plate and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the skin and break into large pieces.
• Blanch the haricots verts in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1 1/2 minutes only. Drain immediately and immerse in a bowl of ice water. Drain again and set aside.
• For the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Set aside.
• Arrange the salmon, potatoes, haricots verts, tomatoes, eggs, watercress, olives and anchovies, if used, on a large flat platter. Drizzle some vinaigrette over the fish and vegetables and serve the rest in a pitcher on the side.

GRILLED TUNA NICOISE PLATTER

Steps:

• MAKE THE FRENCH POTATO SALAD:.
• Drop the white and red potatoes into a large pot of boiling salted water and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until they are just cooked through.
• Drain in a colander and place a terry-cloth kitchen towel over the potatoes to allow them to steam for 10 more minutes.
• AS soon as you can handle them, cut in 1/2 (quarters if the potatoes are larger)and place in a medium bowl.
• Toss gently with the wine and chicken stock.
• Allow the liquids to soak into the warm potatoes before proceeding.
• MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE:.
• Combine the vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion.
• Add vinaigrette to potatoes.
• Add scallions, dill, parsley, basil or Italian seasoning, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and stir until just combined.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• GRILL THE TUNA AND PREPARE THE PLATTER:.
• To grill the tuna, get a charcoal or stovetop cast iron grill very hot.
• Brush the fish with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Grill each side for only 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.
• The center should be raw, like sushi, or the tuna will be tough and dry.
• Arrange the tuna, haricots verts, potato salad, tomatoes, eggs, olives, watercress, capers and anchovies, on a large flat platter, if used, or you can serve each person individually.
• MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE:.
• Combine the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion.
• Drizzle some over the fish and vegetables and serve the rest in a pitcher on the side.
• Bon Appetit!