Ingredients

  • 8 (1-inch-thick) fresh tuna steaks (about 4 pounds)
  • Good olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 pound French string beans (haricots verts), stems removed and blanched
  • 1 recipe French Potato Salad, recipe follows
  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (6 small tomatoes)
  • 8 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut in 1/2
  • 1/2 pound good black olives, pitted
  • 1 bunch watercress or arrugula
  • 1 can anchovies (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 1 pound small white boiling potatoes
  • 1 pound small red boiling potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons good dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced scallions (white and green parts)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves

Method

  • To grill the tuna, get a charcoal or stove-top 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, and anchovies, if used, on a large flat platter.
  • For 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Combine the vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion.
  • Add the vinaigrette to the potatoes.
  • Add the scallions, dill, parsley, basil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and toss.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes