Curtis Stones Pan Bagnat Recipes

CURTIS STONE'S PAN BAGNAT

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the aioli, crème fraiche, basil and half the lemon zest and juice, and process for about 20 seconds, or until the basil is coarsely chopped but not puréed
• Season the basil mayonnaise to taste with salt and pepper
• In a small bowl, gently fold the tuna, olives, capers and the remaining lemon zest and juice to combine, keeping the tuna in large chunks as much as possible
• Lay the ciabatta cut side up on a cutting board and spread the basil mayonnaise over both pieces
• Scatter the arugula and radicchio over the bottom piece
• Lay the slices of egg atop the lettuces and follow with the tuna mixture, cucumbers, and onion
• Top with the other piece of bread
• Cut into 4 sandwiches and serve

PAN BAGNAT (FRENCH TUNA SANDWICH)

Steps:

• Slice and store the sandwiches: With the sandwiches still wrapped in plastic, use a serrated knife to cut them into individual servings. The sandwiches are ready to eat now, or they can be packed into a picnic basket or lunch box and eaten within about two hours from now. The sandwiches taste best at room temperature.

PAN BAGNAT

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the optional anchovies, the garlic, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking constantly.
• If using a country loaf, pull out some soft interior crumb to form a cavity. If using a ciabatta, you won't need to eliminate anything.
• If using a Kirby cucumber, slice thinly. If using a regular cucumber, peel, halve lengthwise, and scoop out seeds from one half. Thinly slice seedless half. Add sliced cucumber to vinaigrette and toss well.
• Spread half the cucumbers on bottom of bread. Top with tomato and onion slices, then with tuna, basil, olives and egg slices. Top egg with remaining cucumbers and vinaigrette. Cover with second bread half and firmly press sandwich together.
• Wrap sandwich tightly in foil, waxed paper or plastic wrap, then place in a plastic bag. Put sandwich under a weight such as a cast-iron frying pan topped with a filled kettle, or have a child about 7 years old sit on it. Weight sandwich for 7 to 10 minutes, then flip and weight it for another 7 to 10 minutes (or as long as you can get the child to sit still). Unwrap, slice and serve immediately, or keep it wrapped for up to 8 hours before serving.

PAN BAGNAT (PRESSED FRENCH TUNA SANDWICH)

Steps:

• Stir garlic into the olive oil and set aside.
• Partially hollow out the bread by pulling out about 50% of the insides. Brush the bread very generously with the garlic olive oil, reserving about 1 tablespoon for later use.
• Begin building the sandwich by placing a layer of sliced tomatoes on the bottom half, covering it completely. Season with salt and pepper. Top with sliced onion, olives, and banana peppers.
• Crumble the tuna over the top, pressing down slightly so it stays in place. Be sure to go as close to the edges as possible. Top with anchovy filets, capers, sliced eggs, and basil leaves. Top with another layer of tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with vinegar and reserved garlic olive oil.
• Place the top half of the loaf on and press firmly to compress the ingredients. Wrap in several layers of plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil, ending with seams at the top.
• Place into a large pan and place a sheet pan over the top. Weigh down with heavy cans, pots, a cast iron pan, or a cutting board, to press the sandwich as evenly as possible.
• Place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight, turning halfway through if possible. Unwrap, slice, and serve.