Tuna Over Tomatoes Chickpeas And Couscous Recipes

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND TUNA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-size saucepan. Add the couscous and reduce the heat to very low. Cover the pot and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the couscous is just tender. (I pull the pot halfway off the heat.) Drain in a colander.
• Meanwhile, combine the tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, capers, olives, red peppers, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper in a large bowl. Pour the hot couscous into the mixture and stir well. Cover and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in the scallions, basil, juice of the 1/2 lemon, and 1 more teaspoon of salt. Taste for seasonings and serve warm or at room temperature.

TUNA, CHICKPEAS AND BROCCOLI SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, chickpeas, celery, bell pepper, parsley and chives. Keep the broccoli separate.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the olive oil and yogurt, and toss with the tuna and chickpea mixture. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat. Add the broccoli just before serving.

SPICY TUNA & CHICKPEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Mix the yogurt with half the coriander in a small bowl. Cover and chill until needed.
• Tip the chickpeas into a food processor. Blitz for a just a few seconds so they keep some of their texture. Transfer to a large bowl. Flake in the tuna and mix in the onion, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, chilli and rest of the coriander. Season, then gently stir to mix all the ingredients. Shape into 12 patties with your hands. Dust with flour.
• Heat half the oil in a large frying pan. Cook 6 patties for 5-6 minutes, turning over after 3 minutes. Keep them warm while you cook the rest.
• Put the tomatoes in the pan. Cook over a high heat for 30-40 seconds until warmed through and starting to soften. Serve with the patties (3 per person) and the coriander dip.

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH TURMERIC, CHICKPEA AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Combine the turmeric, 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt with 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for at least 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper in a very large bowl. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas and stir to coat.
• When the couscous is ready, scrape with a fork to fluff into bits. Pour into the tomato mixture, along with the onion, arugula and half the cheese. Fold gently until well mixed, then season to taste with salt and pepper, and dress with additional oil and vinegar, if desired.
• Divide among dishes and top with the remaining feta and the celery or chile, if using.

TUNA OVER TOMATOES, CHICKPEAS AND COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion about 5 minutes or until soft.
• Add the crushed garlic and cook for a couple of minutes more.
• Add the wine and cook for a few minutes then add the tomatoes and chickpeas.
• Allow to cook gently for about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pour the boiling water over the couscous and cover for about 5 minutes.
• Add the prepared couscous, herbs and capers to the tomato mix, season well with salt and pepper and set aside while you cook the tuna.
• Season the tuna steaks with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the tuna about 4 or 5 minutes each side: this will give you a rare steak, if you'd like it cooked more add a couple more minutes each side. Remember though that it will keep cooking after you take it off the heat.
• Gently reheat the tomato mix for a couple of minutes, then divide it between 4 plates and serve a tuna steak on each.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt over each steak.