Grilled Tuna with Black Bean Chili, Avocado Puree and Fried Tortillas

In a saucepan, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute the onions until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the jalapenos, garlic and beans. Continue to saute for 1 minute. Season with Essence. Stir in the stock and lime juice. Season with Essence, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Re-season the beans with salt and pepper. Stir in the cilantro and butter. Remove from the heat. Season the tuna with olive oil and Essence.

Place the tuna on the grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side for rare. Remove from the grill. Place the tortilla strips in the hot oil and fry until crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the tortillas with Essence. To assemble, spoon the Black Bean Chili in the center of each plate. Place the tuna on top of the chili. Drizzle the tuna with the Avocado Puree. Garnish with the fried tortillas.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Yield: about 1 cup