Garlic Albacore Tuna with Bow Tie Pasta

Each season, I like to keep the loins from a few tuna to use for various dishes; the rest we have canned. Canned Albacore Tuna is nothing like the canned tuna you get from the grocery store, this stuff is amazing! I have several friends who can (jar) their own and the flavor combinations are limitless. Here is a fantastic dish:

This dish is excellent either hot or cold and is really easy to put together.

Start by boiling your favorite pasta to al dente’ and set aside.

The sauce – sauté garlic and sliced red onions in a generous amount of olive oil. When the garlic and onions are tender, add 12 ounces of Garlic Albacore, 1 pint of cherry tomatoes (halved), the juice of a lemon along with the zest, capers and season with fresh cracked pepper. Top with fresh grated Parmesan and chiffonades of a basil. Really, it’s that easy.

Seared Albacore Salad with a Tamari, Wasabi Vinaigrette

My friend Matt at the PCC introduced me to some interesting new items – watermelon radishes and red scallions. Here is how I put it all together:

Seared Albacore – if you have a preferred blackening spice, now is the time to use it. I like to make my rub with a mixture of brown sugar, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Spanish paprika, cumin and Kosher salt. Apply the rub liberally and set aside. Heat up a heavy pan (cast iron is ideal if you have it) over medium high heat. The actual cooking time will vary depending on how thick your loin is but whatever you do, don’t overcook it. I let the fish cook for no more than 45 seconds per side.

I used Speckled Lettuce that I got from a good friend of mine, she and I are always exchanging fresh seafood for amazing organic produce. Win win. Along with the lettuce, I received a lemon cucumber that I pickled in rice wine vinegar. Slice the watermelon radishes, red scallions, zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers and mix with the greens in your favorite salad bowl. Add some chopped cashews and gently toss with the vinaigrette. Garnish with baked Won Ton chips and enjoy.

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