MIDDLE EASTERN TUNA SALAD W/TAHINI DRESSING

Middle Eastern Tuna Salad w/Tahini Dressing image

Provided by C G

Time 2h5m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lb yellow onions, sliced thinly (chose a combination of walla walla onions and shallots)
cracked black pepper, to taste
TAHINI DRESSING
2 Tbsp tahini
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (not that stuff in the plastic lemon!)
1 large garlic clove, peeled
salt, to taste
1/8 tsp piment fort (substituted 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne and 1/8 teaspoon of spanish smoked paprika)
1/3 c extra virgin olive oil (replaces rice bran oil in original recipe)
SALAD
2 Tbsp pine nuts (very $$ so reduced from 1/3 cup)
1 c fresh flat leaf parsley (plus a few sprigs for garnish)
6-8 pita or arabic bread (optional)
salad greens (optional) (tried with mixed greens primarily baby spinach and arugula)

Steps:

1. In a large heavy skillet, cook the onions in 1/3 cup olive oil over low-moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for about 50 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Season them with salt and pepper. Note: this step can be done the day before just be sure to bring the caramelized onions to room temperature first. You can toast the pine nuts, too the day before and save yourself some time.
2. In a blender, blend the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and piment fort (or sub). With the motor running, add 1/3 cup olive oil in a steady stream, blending until the dressing is emulsified; season to taste with salt.
3. In a bowl, toss the tuna lightly with half the dressing and mound the mixture on a large platter (you can line the platter with the optional greens if desired.)
4. With a fork, scatter the onions over the tuna. In the skillet, cook the pine nuts over moderately low heat, stirring, until they are golden; scatter them over the onions.
5. Drizzle the salad with the remaining dressing and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Arrannge the salad with the parsley sprigs and serve it with optional pita (pockets) .