Ingredients

Spicy Mayonnaise:

1/2 tablespoon drained capers

1 1/2 tablespoons chopped parsley

3 cloves Roasted Garlic (see page 224)

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce

1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise (see Cook's Tip below)

Tuna Cakes:

3/4 cup Garlic Mashed Potatoes (see page 168)

2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans water-packed tuna, drained and flaked

1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1/4 cup + 1/3 cup Italian Bread Crumbs (see page 218)

2 eggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/3 cup flour

4-5 tablespoons olive oil

Polpette Di Tonno

Serves 4

For the Spicy Mayonnaise:

Process the capers, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the parsley, the roasted garlic and the Tabasco sauce in a food processor or blender until coarsely chopped. Add the mayonnaise and pulse until thoroughly mixed. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the Tuna Cakes:

Thorougly combine the mashed potatoes, flaked tuna, Romano cheese, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, the eggs, the remaining 2 tablespoons of the parsley, the salt and pepper in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 12 patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick and 2 1/2 inches wide. Combine the flour and the remaining bread crumbs on a plate. Roll the patties in the mixture to coat and set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick saute pan set on medium heat until it starts to sizzle, about 2-3 minutes. (If you aren't using a nonstick saute pan, you must increase the amount of oil used by 2-3 tablespoons). Fry 1/2 of the cakes for 3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Remove the cakes to a plate and place in a warm oven while cooking the remaining cakes. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan as needed.

Place 3 cakes on each plate with a dollop of the spicy mayonnaise on the side.

Cook's Tip:

There are many varieties of low-fat and nonfat mayonnaise on the market. The nonfat varieties tend to have a much stronger flavor and don't lend themselves as well to use as a base in sauces. Try several varieties yourself and decide which you prefer.