BROILED TUNA COUSCOUS SALAD

Broiled Tuna Couscous Salad image

Provided by Pierre Franey

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 1 1/4-pound skinless and boneless tuna steak, about 1 inch thick
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup water
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup couscous
4 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 cup finely diced celery
1 1/2 cups diced, peeled and seeded tomatoes
2 teaspoons finely minced chopped garlic
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil, coriander, chervil or parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat broiler to high, or preheat outdoor grill.
To prepare tuna, put it on a plate and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper and brush with a mixture of the oil and thyme. Cover closely with plastic wrap and let stand until ready to broil or grill.
If broiling, arrange steak on a rack and place under broiler, about 6 inches from heat source. Broil 4 minutes with door partly open. Turn steak and continue broiling, leaving door open, about 4 minutes more.
If grilling, put steak on hot grill and cover. Cook 4 minutes. Turn fish, cover grill and cook about 4 minutes more. Remove fish; let cool.
To prepare couscous, heat oil in a small saucepan. Add onion, garlic and cumin and cook, stirring, until vegetables are wilted. Add water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and add couscous, stirring. Cover closely. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Put in a bowl to cool.
Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for salad dressing in a large bowl. Blend well with a wire whisk. Check for seasoning.
Cut tuna into bite-size pieces and add to the couscous in the bowl. Pour dressing over all and toss well. Serve immediately.