HERBED TUNA BURGERS WITH TAPENADE AND TOMATOES

Herbed Tuna Burgers with Tapenade and Tomatoes image

Provided by Tony Rosenfeld

Yield Makes 6

Number Of Ingredients 20

Tapenade:
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives (about 5 ounces)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Burgers:
2 pounds chilled fresh tuna steaks, finely diced
2 tablespoons chopped drained capers
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
12 4-inch squares herb focaccia, or six 4-inch squares pain rustique, halved horizontally, lightly grilled
1 large heirloom tomato, cut into 6 slices
6 thin slices red onion
2 cups baby arugula (about 3 ounces)

Steps:

For tapenade:
Blend all ingredients in mini processor to coarse puree. Season tapenade to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.
For burgers:
Gently mix diced tuna and next 6 ingredients in large bowl. Using moistened hands, shape tuna mixture into six 3/4-inch-thick patties (each about 4 inches in diameter). Place burgers on plate. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
Spray grill rack with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill burgers until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Arrange 6 focaccia squares or bottoms of pain rustique on work surface; spread with tapenade. Top each with burger, tomato slice, onion slice, and arugula, then focaccia or bread top. Cut burgers in half and serve.