Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Beat the Heat and the Deadline with Tuscan Fagioli con Tonno

Tuscana Tuna Bean Salad
Though I may be experiencing a sick case of writer's block, I love Grace's A Southern Grace so much that when she announced her roundup, I knew that even without much to say, I had to be there (or be square). Sorry, couldn't help it. I'm no longer nine years old, but I still find myself saying things like that all the time.

For much of the country, August rolls around and it's hot, sticky, sweaty, gross, and humid. You can obviously tell what I think of this month that's not quite summer, but not quite fall according to the clothing stores who begin selling sweaters in 90 degree heat. Well, to cheer up all of us cranky melting folk, Grace's Beat the Heat roundup calls for recipes that do not require any heat during the cooking process. I can't wait to see the roundup, and for those of you not in the know, you only have 2 more days to get yours in!
Though a never ending stream of no-heat recipes reside in my little imagination, time has gotten the best of me. When I've actually been cooking (not to be confused with cooking in my mind), I have repeatedly turned on the stove, oven and any other hot appliance I can find & cursed myself. I never learn.

Our time in DC is coming to a close, and with that I've been trying to clear the pantry and refrigerator. Browsing around for possible ingredients, I made this quick and tasty lunch combining cannellini beans and tuna for what I'm hereby naming Tuscan Fagioli con Tonno. I apologize if you're Italian and I've somehow butchered your language. I just thought it sounded cool :) It comes together quickly and easily and spares you from turning on those dreaded appliances. Best of all, its another protein packed dish. Testament to my absentmindedness of late, I diced up a Roma tomato from the Farmer's Market to throw in, but forgot it. It's good with or without so you can decide!


Tuscan Fagioli con Tonno (Tuscan Beans with Tuna)
1 can Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Albacore tuna, drained and flaked
1/4 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced tomato
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp olive oil (use good quality)
juice from half of a lemon
Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
parsley (optional)
1/2 cup of baby spinach leaves
  1. In a medium sized bowl, combine beans, tuna, cucumber and tomato.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice.
  3. Drizzle dressing over bean mixture and toss gently. Season with Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
  4. Serve salad over bed of baby spinach leaves

23 comments:

La Bella Cooks said...

I make this salad quite a bit during the summer. Come to think of it, I make it pretty much year around! I love it served on a bed of rocket or spinach or even in endive cups. Seeing yours has given me a craving! Looks delicious.

Prudy said...

Brilliant beat the heat idea. I'd love it.

Jenny said...

Mmmm, I love those white beans. What a perfect summer dish when it's just too darn hot to use the oven!!

RecipeGirl said...

Looks great to me. Sometimes the simplicity of just throwing together ingredients that you have lying around makes for a terrific meal!

grace said...

this really is terrific, sharon--thanks again for entering it. oh, and don't feel bad about your 9-year-old-esque comments--i still break out "i know you are, but what am i?" every now and then. :)

Sharon said...

bridgett - endive cups sound like a great idea. I've made lettuce wraps before and that was also very good.

prudy - thanks!

jenny - white beans are slowly taking over for my love of black beans!

Recipegirl - there's something to be said for simplicity every now and again.

grace - Other favorites include: "let's rock & roll!" and "are you ready, Freddie?" much to the horror of my husband. :)

That Girl said...

"be there or be square" isn't nearly as bad as my habit of say "stellar" whenever things are going my way.

Mary said...

Even I could make that and I'm lazy!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I hope you enjoy your last days in DC. That's the perfect mreal to eat now, here we're having close to 100ªF... It's also a complete meal, it has proteins, carbs, raw veggies and good fat!

LucyinStLou said...

That looks great! I am all about white beans and chickpeas this summer. Perfect for the heat.

Laura said...

I always seem to use the oven/stovetop more than I plan to in the summer as well. Your salad looks wonderful... I have some tuna and I ALWAYS have beans, maybe I need to think about an easy lunch for me and the kids tomorrow....

Unknown said...

the salad sounds delicious! Loving the tuna and beans combo ;)

MrOrph said...

Yes yes! Another salad for me to try. Thank you!

Maybe some RG beans?

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Looks like it could be a nice easy delicious lunch!

Mama Mia said...

wonderful way to beat the heat! :)

K Allrich said...

I love this classic Tuscan combo. Sounds so perfect for the dog days of summer.

Sophie said...

oh no! i didn't realize today was the last day :P. this looks like a really fresh way to pack a picnic lunch though :).

Emily said...

Mmm, beans and salad go so well together. I had a black bean salad with mixed greens tonight.

This looks great!

Mo said...

Mmm... this salad looks simple and divine. I am going to try it soon, as I'm stuck in a rut with summer salads.

Thanks for all the SD recommendations. We had a blast - with lots of amazing food.

test it comm said...

That looks good. I like using beans in salads and adding tuna would make it a nice light meal.

Elle said...

I'm making this, and soon--it looks like something we'd love!

MrOrph said...

ciao bella!

way to put together a fine, fine, lunch. We are always looking for a nice, quick, lunch.

mangia!

Anonymous said...

This looks wonderful. I wonder why tuna and beans seem to go so well together?