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Seared Tuna with a Thai Twist in the Tail

As our readers will be aware, it has been a rather traumatic week for my countrymen.  Out of Europe (the EU) by surprise result of a referendum vote last Thursday and then, England were knocked out of the European Cup (the football / soccer) this Tuesday by Iceland!

My motto is, when all else fails, cook one’s way out of the blues. So, I decided I’d prepare one of my all time favorite recipes for my family this evening, which I have been serving guests at dinner parties for several years to acclaim. Namely, mouth watering tuna in a Thai style dressing

2. The Ingredients

Ingredients raw fresh tuna etc

This fabulous dish is based on an early Jamie Oliver recipe, which I have modified over the years. In my view, it is simply one of the best ways to cook a fresh Tuna Steak, retaining the raw meatiness of the fish but adding a subtle Asian flavor, fragrant herbs and a chili citrus bite

It is really easy to make, with preparation time taking no more than 15 minutes and cooking in a matter of seconds. Best of all, it is guaranteed to wow whoever you make it for, I promise

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 1.5 lbs Tuna Steak (tip: make sure the tuna is very fresh because this fish will be cooked RARE)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp of coriander seeds
  • 1/4 tsp of chili flakes
  • A large handful of fresh basil
  • A large handful of fresh coriander / cilantro
  • Juice of 2-3 limes depending on size
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes (I used Maldon Sea Salt)
  • 1/4 tsp of fresh ground black pepper
3.Coriander Seed & Chili Flakes ready for the crush

Into the pestle for the coriander seeds and chili flakes!

Method

  • Peel and finely chop the garlic clove
  • Roughly chop the basil and the coriander / cilantro
  • Crush the coriander seed and chili flakes with a mortar and pestle
  • Add all the ingredients plus the lime juice, salt and pepper to a large bowl and mix to form a marinade
  • Depending on the size of the tuna steaks, you may need to slice them to 1/4 inch in thickness then mix them into the fragrant marinade making sure they are covered with the herbs and juices

    4. Tuna Steaks in the Marinade

    Into the Marinade for the Tuna

  • Place in the fridge for at least an hour to enable the flavors to enhance the fish
  • Heat up a cast iron rubbed with a dash of olive oil until it begins to smoke, place the tuna steaks on the griddle searing each side for between 15-20 seconds, until the surface becomes marked and lightly browned but the flesh inside retains it’s deep red color (it is a crime to allow fresh tuna to overcook and become rubbery in my humble opinion!)
  • Place the steaks on a plate rubbing over the remaining marinade and serve immediately
5. Steaks on the Griddle

Tuna searing on the Iron Griddle

Absolutely delicious eaten with a Summery Rosé wine, simple fries and a green salad.

I feel better already!

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Great Pub Food at The Bollo House

Today we are voting whether to remain as part of the EU or Brexit and it seems appropriate to write about a British Pub that focuses on food with both a British & Mediterranean twist. My discerning foodie  friends and I visited The Bollo House, 13-15 Bollo Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5LR last week. The atmosphere was buzzy especially with the European Football Championship and England narrowly beating Wales earlier that afternoon. The decor has a relaxed feel with wooden tables but the food is well above your average pub dining.

Spanish Charcuterie - Muy Buen!

Spanish Charcuterie – Muy Buen!

We decided to share starters of baked Camembert, with slow roasted garlic & home made rosemary crostini, Spanish charcuterie board and chilli & garlic prawns with lemon & parsley.

Chilli & Garlic Prawns

Chilli & Garlic Prawns

 

 

 

The selection of oozing unctuous cheese,  meats & garlicky prawns was a great way to whet our appetites.

Portland Crab Linguini with Lobster Bisque

Portland Crab Linguini with Lobster Bisque

 

To follow we had a Portland crab linguini served with a lobster bisque, cherry tomatoes, chilli & herbs; pan fried Stone bass with spinach puree, new season veg & sauce vierge; Harissa chicken breast with sweet potato and onion hash with lime & tarragon creme fraiche.

Stone Bass with New Season Veg & Sauce Vierge

Stone Bass with New Season Veg & Sauce Vierge

All the food was expertly cooked and delicious. Although we picked some Mediterranean food there was also some British Pub classics including North Sea Haddock with chips and mushy peas, Devon Lamb rump or  Bollo House Burger with house relish and fries.

Harissa Chicken with Sweet Potato & Onion Hash

Harissa Chicken with Sweet Potato & Onion Hash

 

 

 

 

There was a great selection of wine, many by the glass.   We shared two bottles of  Picpoul de Pinet, Grange des Roc from Languedoc, France. This was a refreshing, quaffable white wine with a hint of fruit & acidity that was a perfect accompaniment to the food. We were pretty full so decided to order that great British classic: sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and seven spoons. Warm & comforting with velvety toffee sauce, a great sweet sign off. The customer service was friendly and efficient which helped to make it a great evening.

Whether we decide to remain or leave the EU my other vote goes to  The Bollo House, relaxed pub dining well done!

 

 

 

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Fathers Day? What could be better than a Dram of Single Malt Scotch for Dad

Happy Father’s Day to all Dads out there – I published this guide for Scotch Whisky beginners and afficionados a year ago. In the spirit of Lindsey and my 1st Anniversary of blogging, I’ve posted it again for those contemplating this fine drink as a gift for their Dads

simsalb's avatartaste2taste

Fathers Day has crept up on us  again. Well, to be honest,  here in the USA, its been so heavily promoted I doubt you could miss it!

As a father and aficionado of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, I cannot think of a finer gift.   However,  choosing a Whisky can be every bit as difficult as selecting fine wine.  I’ve often found shoppers staring  at the Scottish Whisky Shelves in my local liquor store in Westchester NY with that look:

“Help – what on earth is the difference between The Glenlivet  and Laphraoig ? How do I choose? “

Introduction to Single Malt Scotch

In this post I will be making some recommendations and identify personal favorites among the plethora of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

To begin, it  all comes down to taste.  How do you like it? Sweet? Spicy? With a touch of Heather? Or absolutely smoky Lapsang Souchong Tea Special?  Or perhaps you prefer a mix of the above? Then do you…

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