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Flavorful Tunisian Mechouia Salad Recipe with Grilled Tuna

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A vibrant and smoky Tunisian mechouia salad made with roasted peppers, tomatoes, and onions, topped with perfectly grilled tuna. This refreshing and bold-flavored dish is perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large red bell peppers (roasted, peeled, and chopped)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (roasted and peeled)
  • 1 medium onion (roasted and finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, preferably from Tunisia if available)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon harissa paste
  • 2 tuna steaks (about 6 ounces each, fresh and firm)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tuna)
  • Salt and black pepper to season tuna
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon ground coriander

Instructions

  1. Preheat your broiler or grill to high. Place whole red bell peppers, tomatoes, and onion on a baking sheet. Roast for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin blackens and blisters.
  2. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel to steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skins, remove seeds from peppers, and finely chop all the vegetables.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped peppers, tomatoes, onion, and minced garlic. Add olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine. Mix in harissa paste if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and ground coriander if using. Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Heat your grill pan or grill to high heat. Place tuna steaks on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature about 125°F). Adjust cooking time to preference.
  6. Spoon the mechouia salad onto plates or a serving platter. Slice or place the grilled tuna steaks on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh, firm tuna for best results. Roasting vegetables yourself is key for authentic flavor but jarred roasted peppers can be used in a pinch. Avoid overcooking tuna to keep it moist. The salad can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavors. Adjust harissa paste to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tunisian mechouia salad, grilled tuna, roasted pepper salad, summer meals, Mediterranean salad, smoky salad, healthy tuna recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/flavorful-tunisian-mechouia-salad-recipe-with-grilled-tuna-perfect-for-summer-meals/