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Salted Tuna with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Sicilian Seaside Starter to Savour

Salted Tuna with Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Sicilian Seaside Starter to Savour

📖 What is it

Discover the recipe for salted tuna drizzled with extra virgin olive oil – a Sicilian seafood starter that will delight your taste buds!

Author: Laura Lombardo Published on: June 16, 2012
⏱️
Prep Time
about 20 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
no cooking required
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Spring
0/5 (0)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 300g salted tuna fillet
  • White wine vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
110 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
7 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fiber
0 g
Sugars
0 g
Sodium
900 mg

Dive into the scents and flavours of the Sicilian coast with this salted tuna starter, a dish steeped in the tales of ancient tuna fisheries and handed-down traditions. Simple yet rich, this speciality from the Trapani shores celebrates Sicily’s deep connection with tuna, offering an authentic taste of the island – perfect for those mild spring days.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Rinse the tuna fillet thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess salt.

  2. 2

    Spritz the tuna with white wine vinegar, then squeeze gently to get rid of any extra liquid.

  3. 3

    Cut the fillet into even pieces on a chopping board and transfer them to a bowl.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the tuna pieces.

  5. 5

    Pour extra virgin olive oil over the tuna until it’s completely covered.

  6. 6

    Cover the bowl with a lid or cling film and leave it to rest in a cool, dark place for a few hours.

  7. 7

    After resting, your salted tuna with extra virgin olive oil is ready to serve.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For a little extra zing, add a pinch of finely chopped red chilli to bring out the dish’s character.

  • Try serving the tuna on lightly toasted rustic bread slices for an even tastier, crunchier starter.

  • For a more refined touch, opt for a Sicilian extra virgin olive oil with fruity and subtly peppery notes.

  • For a vegetarian twist, swap the tuna for grilled aubergines marinated in olive oil and lemon, keeping that Mediterranean vibe.

  • The secret to a rich flavour lies in the quality of the olive oil and the freshness of the tuna – always choose the best ingredients you can find.

📦 Storage

  • Store the salted tuna in a well-sealed container in the fridge, where it will keep best for 2-3 days.
  • Avoid leaving the dish out at room temperature for too long to maintain freshness and food safety.
  • Always use clean utensils when serving or handling the tuna to prevent contamination and preserve the flavours.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this salted tuna with a Sicilian white wine like Grillo, whose fresh, citrusy notes complement the sea flavours beautifully. Alternatively, a Sicilian Inzolia or a Ligurian Vermentino offer lovely aromatic contrasts.

Making salted tuna with extra virgin olive oil is like bringing a slice of Sicily to your table, full of tradition and genuine flavours. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, savour every mouthful, and share this culinary journey with your loved ones – it’s the perfect dish to spread a little Sicilian sunshine around.

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