KATZ Farm Green Tahini Sauce with Seared Spiced Ahi
10 min
8 min
4-6
Entree
Napa, California
Inspired by a “family style” dinner served on a special platter (maybe an 11” Carter And Co piece!). The Tahini (sesame paste) is the base of the sauce, but the herbs can be adjusted for the season and to your taste. Using spices and seeds on the tuna adds a nice texture; serve on a bed of lentils or farro with some roasted seasonal vegetables, all served with the lovely verdant sauce. Enjoy!
Green Tahini Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup Tahini (buy the best quality you can find!)
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons KATZ Sparkling Wine Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (preferably Meyer lemon), + zest from 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1-2 teaspoons KATZ honey
- 1 tablespoon KATZ Chef's Pick Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup, parsley, loosely packed + 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs of your choice (tarragon, mint, thyme)
Directions
Step 1
Mix all ingredients, except the herbs, in a high-speed blender or food processor leaving a little of the water out to use to thin out later.
Step 2
When smooth, add herbs scraping down sides and blend again until smooth.
Step 3
Taste for seasoning. Add more lemon juice or honey if needed.
Spiced Seared Ahi
Ingredients
- 1 lb think-cut sushi grade ahi, or two 8oz. pieces at least 1” thick
- 1 tablespoon fennel seed
- 1 tablespoon cumin seed
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (mix of black and white makes a nice contrast)
- ½ tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for searing
Directions
Step 1
Toast the fennel, cumin seed, and mustard seed in a pan for a minute or two.
Step 2
Grind in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until very coarse.
Step 3
Put ground spices on a plate with the sesame seeds, salt and pepper; coat all sides of the tuna thoroughly with the mixture.
Step 4
Sear tuna in a hot cast iron pan with olive oil for just 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5
Slice across the grain, thinly, and set on a bed of spiced lentils. Set roasted vegetables on the platter if you are adding, (recipe not included) spoon over a generous amount of Green Tahini Sauce before serving.
Created by Albert Katz