SEARED TUNA WITH OVEN-DRIED TOMATOES AND SWEET-AND-SOUR ONIONS

Steps:

• To make the tomatoes, preheat the oven to 280 degrees. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the thyme, sugar, half of the garlic and salt and pepper. Bake for 3 1/2 hours.
• Meanwhile, to prepare the onions, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and let cool. Toss with the olive oil and set aside.
• When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, coarsely chop them. Heat the olive oil in a medium-size skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatoes, tarragon and remaining garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
• To make the tuna, combine the rosemary, garlic, poppy seeds, cracked pepper and salt. Roll each piece of tuna in the mixture until well coated. Heat the oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Sear on all sides until browned on the outside but medium rare in the center, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from pan and cut each piece across into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Divide the onion mixture among 4 plates. Place the tomato mixture over the onions. Top with tuna slices, season with salt and serve immediately.