RECIPE

Spicy Tuna Rillettes

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 2 1/2 cups

Rillettes is a traditional spread made from meat, poultry or fish that has been slowly cooked with fat, then pulverized and packed into a crock or ramekin. This is a twist on that classic. Pascal Rigo likes to drizzle it with pepper-infused olive oil just before serving.

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 2 1/2 cups
  • FAST
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 3/4 pound fatty tuna belly
    2. 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
    3. 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
    4. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    5. 10 brined green peppercorns, drained and finely chopped
    6. 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    8. 1/2 cup heavy cream
    9. Salt
    10. Crackers or toasts, for serving

Directions

  1. Fit a medium pot with a steamer insert. Add 1 inch of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the tuna and steam until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Let cool. Flake the tuna into a medium bowl; don't remove the fat. Gently stir in the cilantro, scallions, butter, green peppercorns, lemon juice and cayenne.
  2. In a small bowl, beat the cream until stiff. Fold the cream into the tuna and season with salt. Transfer to a crock and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with crackers.

Make Ahead

The tuna rillettes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.