Tuna Conserva and Heirloom Tomato Panzanella with Red Winette

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

For Tuna Conserva
1 Pound Albacore Tuna, cut into four pieces
1 Tbsp Kosher Salt
1 Tspn Black Pepper
1/2 Tspn Chili Flake
1 Tbsp Ground Coriander Seed
8 Cups Pure Olive Oil
1 Head of Garlic, halved
1 Lemon, sliced
1 Orange, sliced
1 Bay Leaf

For Red "Winette"
1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 Cup Red Wine
1 Shallot, minced
2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

For Panzanella
2 Cups Hand Torn Croutons, soaked in just enough milk to moisten
1 Lb Heirloom Tomatoes, (cut however)
1/2 Lb Cucumber, sliced we prefer Persian, lemon, or English
2 Bunches Arugula
1/4 Cup Olives

Directions:

To make the tuna conserva, on medium heat, bring the oil up to a simmer with the garlic, orange, lemon, and bay. Meanwhile season the tuna with the spices. Add the tuna to the oil and remove from the heat. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate. The fish should be just cooked through.

To make the red "winette," in a small sauce pan on medium high heat, reduce the vinegar, wine, and shallot by 1/2. Let cool and whisk in the extra virgin olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the croutons, preheat the oven to 375. Squeeze the croutons, to remove any excess milk. Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper, and bake on a baking sheet until golden, about 10 minutes.

Toss the croutons with the tomato, cucumber, arugula, and red "winette." Arrange on the plates, top with pieces of the tuna and drizzle with a little extra "red winette." Sprinkle olives about.