Think of this lovely small plate as the Italian version of the best tuna salad you have ever tasted. Canned tuna packed in olive oil is a staple in authentic Italian cooking; oftentimes used as the protein in simple pasta dishes or in simple appetizers like this one; you can find quality canned tuna in olive oil in just about any supermarket nowadays. Wanting to dress up the canned tuna with some tangy Italian flavors, I reached for briny capers, black olives, fresh thyme and spicy red chili sauce. Mixed with the flaky tuna and served on slices of grilled bread, this decadent appetizer pairs perfectly with a glass of traditional Chianti.
(To view this recipe, click on the blue title of the blog post above*)
Bruschetta with Tuna Tapenade
Ingredients:
- Thickly sliced bread (I used a lovely rosemary olive oil bread, but any of your favorite breads will do)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Canned tuna in olive oil
- Capers
- Sliced kalamata olives
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Spicy red chili sauce (to taste)—carried in most Italian markets
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
- Drizzle the thickly sliced bread with olive oil. Grill on a grill pan until crispy and lightly browned.
- Flake the tuna, with the olive oil it is packed in, into a mixing bowl. Add in capers (drained), kalamata olives, a teaspoon or so of fresh thyme leaves and spicy red chili sauce to taste. Add in a pinch of salt and pepper and stir gently to combine. Serve on the grilled bread at room temperature.
Tagged: appetizer, bruschetta, canned tuna, capers, chilis, grilled bread, hors d'oeuvres, hot chili sauce, Italian, Kalamata olives, red chilies, tapenade, tuna in oil, tuna tapenade
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