Ingredients (15)
For the topping:
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 7 ounces high-quality oil-packed tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 cup cooked cannellini beans, drained and rinsed if canned
- 1/2 cup small-dice red onion (from about 1/2 a medium onion)
- 1/2 cup small-dice fennel (from about 1/2 a medium bulb)
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the bread:
- 8 ounces crusty Italian bread, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium garlic clove
Nutritional Information
- Calories309
- Fat13.44g
- Saturated fat2.1g
- Trans fat
- Carbs31.46g
- Fiber5.22g
- Sugar1.43g
- Protein15.97g
- Cholesterol4.47mg
- Sodium336.11mg
- Nutritional Analysis per serving (8 servings) Powered by
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In this recipe, two Italian pantry staples, tuna and white beans, come together for a quick and healthy bruschetta topping. We fancy it up with crunchy fennel, red onion, capers, and parsley to elevate it for the appetizer hour.
Special equipment: You will need a pastry brush.
This recipe was featured as part of our story on Bruschetta, the Fancy Toast for Parties.
Tips for Tuna, Beans, and Fish
Tip
How to Pick Tuna
Tuna is an expensive investment for dinner, so it's important to pick a cut that's both fresh and delicious. If steaks have been pre-cut, look for flesh that is moist, translucent, and shiny. Though color can vary, most types of tuna will possess a deep red or pink. Avoid grey or brown meat at all costs and ask your fishmonger to cut directly from an entire filet, if possible.
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1 of 9
Next: How to Store Tuna
Tip
How to Store Tuna
If your tuna is cut into steaks or filets, they can be patted dry, wrapped, and stacked in plastic wrap. Tuna has one of the shortest shelf lives among fish, so it should typically be consumed within 24 hours of purchasing.
Read More
2 of 9
Next: How to Freeze Tuna
Tip
How to Freeze Tuna
Tuna is effectively frozen as an ice block. Place an individual steak or filet into a zip-top plastic bag, fill with water, and squeeze out the remaining air. The tuna can remain frozen in the ice block for up to three months. Note: most grocery store tuna has been previously frozen. If this is the case, you do not want to refreeze it.
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3 of 9
Next: How to Freeze Beans
Tip
How to Freeze Beans
Cooked beans can easily be placed into pre-portioned freezer bags for easy storage. Be sure to date the plastic bags with a permanent marker and consume within six months.
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4 of 9
Next: How to Thaw Beans
Tip
How to Thaw Beans
Remove your frozen bags from the freezer and place directly in a saucepan with warm water. You can also run the bag under warm water in the sink. Toss some of the frozen beans into soups and stews, as they will immediately defrost due to the dish's high temperatures.
Read More
5 of 9
Next: How to Store Beans
Tip
How to Store Beans
Dried beans come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, though their storage methods stay consistent across the board. Beans should be transferred to a food-safe container with a sealing lid. If beans are left in their original packaging, they'll dry out faster. Place the container in a cool, dry place that is away from any sunlight. You'll want to cook them within a year for ultimate freshness, though some beans have known to last for years.
Read More
6 of 9
Next: How to Store Fish
Tip
How to Store Fish
The best way to store fish is over ice. Remove the fish from its original packaging, rinse under cold water, and dry with paper towels. Set fish on a cooling rack and place inside a container filled with crushed ice. The ice should reach just beneath the fish, but shouldn’t touch it. Cover the container, rack, and fish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge. If the fish is stored longer than 24 hours, be sure to swap out the melted ice with a new batch. Ideally, any fresh fish should not be stored for more than two days.
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7 of 9
Next: How to Freeze Fish
Tip
How to Freeze Fish
Some fish can be frozen for up to year (with three months as the standard), but its freshness depends entirely on its exposure to air. To limit this from taking place, you should first clean the fish, wrap it in aluminum foil or freezer paper, and place it in a freezer bag. Press down on the bag before closing to eliminate any excess air.
Read More
8 of 9
Next: How to Thaw Fish
Tip
How to Thaw Fish
Thawing frozen fish is quite an easy process. Simply leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place the wrapped fish in a bowl of cold water. Don’t microwave the fish, as some sections will cook while others are continuing to thaw.
Read More
9 of 9
Next: How to Pick Tuna
Instructions
For the topping:
- 1Place the vinegar in a medium, nonreactive bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow stream until combined.
- 2Add the tuna, beans, onion, fennel, capers, and parsley and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside at room temperature while you prepare the bread.
For the bread:
- 1Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high (about 375°F to 425°F).
- 2Meanwhile, arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Using 1 tablespoon of the oil, very lightly brush the tops of the bread with the oil. Flip the slices over and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Generously season one side only with salt and pepper.
- 3Place the bread on the grill (reserve the baking sheet) and cook until grill marks appear and the bread is toasted and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- 4Return the grilled bread to the reserved baking sheet, seasoned-side up, and rub the seasoned sides with the garlic clove.
- 5To serve, divide the tuna mixture evenly among the grilled bread slices and cut the bruschetta into pieces if desired.
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