Seared tuna & asparagus niçoise

Method

• step 1

  Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 12 mins, or until a cutlery knife can be easily inserted. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon and leave to steam-dry. Add the asparagus to the pan and boil for 2 mins, then put in a bowl of ice-cold water and set aside.

• step 2

  Bring another pan of water to the boil over a medium-high heat and cook the eggs for 7½ mins. Drain, then add the eggs to the bowl of water with the asparagus.

• step 3

  For the dressing, bash the anchovies and garlic together using a pestle and mortar until you have a very smooth paste. Tip this into a bowl, then whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Season.

• step 4

  To sear the tuna, heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat and cook for 1-2 mins on each side, just until it has a slightly golden colour. Slice into thick pieces (it should still be pink in the middle), then peel and halve the eggs.

• step 5

  Toss the potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, olives, caper berries and dressing together on a large serving platter. Top with the eggs and tuna slices, then season well and serve.