![Mediterranean Rice Salad with Seared Tuna](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/3mgpkTo5UIAANuqR9ighunq_UAA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tuna-rice-salad-gfs-r-9d3e0f1afa0548fe8f85615b1829dd12.jpg)
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
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1 small red onion, chopped
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1 large tomato, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
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1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1/2-inch dice
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1/2 cup black olives, such as Kalamata, halved and pitted
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3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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3 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
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1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
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1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 tuna steaks, about 1/2 inch thick (1 1/2 pounds in all)
Directions
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rice until just done, about 10 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain thoroughly.
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In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the rice, onion, tomato, bell pepper, olives, parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of the thyme. In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper. Add the 1/3 cup oil slowly, whisking. Toss this vinaigrette with the rice.
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Rub the tuna with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a grill pan or large heavy frying pan over moderately high heat. Put the tuna in the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Turn and cook until done to your taste, about 2 minutes longer for medium rare. Mound the rice on plates and top with the tuna.
Suggested Pairing
Look for a light, refreshing white wine from the Mediterranean. Either a bottle of the delightful Albariño from Galicia in Spain or a Côtes de Gascogne from southwestern France would be appropriate.