Monday, August 17, 2009

Pan Bagnat (Big Tuna Sandwich)

I took this recipe from Bon Appetit a few years ago, but I have made so many changes to it, I might as well not give them credit! Best made a few hours ahead so the juices can soak into the bread. I use this method for many types of "Big Sandwich." We are fond of having a "car picnic" on Friday nights when we leave during rush hour to go to the cabin. For this I will make the "Big Sandwich" and cut into serving pieces and wrap each one tightly with plastic and weight the collection under a tray and heavy cans. When serving whole, I wrap the whole sandwich and weight it down, then slice just before serving. Enjoy!

1 Ciabatta loaf, sliced horizontally like a giant bun
12 oz oil packed tuna (smoked tuna is great, but very difficult to find), drained, oil reserved
20 large basil leaves
20 pieces of "pomodori al forno" (recipe above)
1/3 cup kalamata olives, chopped
juice of half a lemon
1 Tbsp kalamata olive brine (if brined, otherwise red wine vinegar)
3 Tbsp reserved tuna oil or baking oil from "pomodori al forno"

Mix last 3 ingredients together and add salt & pepper to taste, set aside. line bottom of bread with crumbled tuna to cover. Top with an even layer of the tomatoes (pomodori) and olives. Then layer the basil. Sprinkle evenly with the dressing. Spread the top bread with light mayonaise (optional) and cover sandwich. As noted above, wrap the whole sandwich tightly with plastic wrap, cover with a cutting board and weight with heavy cans. Can be made several hours (allow at least 2) ahead. Enjoy!

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