Pan Bagnat Loaf Stuffed With Salade Nicoise Recipes

PAN BAGNAT

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and mustard. Continue whisking as you add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Slice the boule almost but not quite through the center, leaving the two halves attached on one side to help keep the filling tucked in. Pull out some of the soft interior crumb to make room for the filling. Rub the inside halves of the boule with the garlic clove.
• Layer the tomatoes, artichokes, favas, peppers, scallions, eggs, tuna, and olives onto the bottom of the loaf, seasoning with salt and pepper in between the layers. Drizzle with some of the vinaigrette (you won't need it all) and cover with the top half of the loaf.
• Wrap the sandwich foil or waxed paper. Let sit for a few hours at room temperature to let the flavors meld, or better yet, pack it at the bottom of your picnic basket so the weight on top compresses it a bit, commingling the flavors. When ready to serve, cut into wedges.

PAN BAGNAT LOAF STUFFED WITH SALADE NICOISE

Steps:

• Split the loaf in half lengthwise. Drizzle both cut surfaces with olive oil and scatter the vinegar and garlic on the bottom half. Sprinkle both cut sides with salt and pepper.
• Roughly chop the tomatoes and spread over the bottom half, then sprinkle over the capers and olives. Lay the anchovies on top, scatter with basil leaves and press everything down lightly.
• Cover the filling with the other half of the loaf and press down firmly.
• Wrap tightly in foil or greaseproof paper and place a weight on top for at least half an hour, longer if you have the time (4 hours maximum).
• Unwrap and cut into thick slices.

THE FRENCH PICNIC BAGUETTE - PAN BAGNAT

Steps:

• Cut the baguette into even size portions.
• Then cut the baguette pieces or bread rolls in half lengthways, and scoop out some of the bread filling. (You use this for a gratin-type affair later in the week or for breadcrumbs).
• Rub the garlic over the inside of both halves, drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil and season well.
• In one hollowed-out half, pack in the egg slices, tuna, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, chopped red onion and lettuce leaves.
• Drizzle with more oil, and a little white-wine vinegar.
• Put the other half of the baguette or bread roll on top, wrap snugly in tinfoil and place on a flat surface. Lay some big books on top to weigh it down. (I use a Larousse Gastronomique!).
• Leave for an hour or two. Then remove the tinfoil and wrap a band of greaseproof or brown paper around the middle of each portion, and tie tightly with kitchen string.
• These can then be stored overnight in a covered container until next day. (This is not necessary - but can be handy to avoid all the fuss next day!).
• Take them on your picnic with wine, fruit and good company!
• Sublime!

NIçOISE TUNA SANDWICH (PAN BAGNAT)

Steps:

• Combine the red and white onion with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil,1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper in a bowl.
• Using your hands, mix and squeeze everything together for 5 minutes. (Don't rush through this part; the onions need time to release their juices and mellow.)
• Work in can of tuna in olive oil, including the oil. Season with fresh lemon juice, red-wine vinegar, and salt, then add pepper to taste.
• Cut kaiser rolls in half crosswise and spread each bottom half with lettuce leaves. Use a couple of varieties-whatever looks good-for the difference in texture.
• On top of each lettuce layer, arrange 4 tomato slices (skip this step if you don't have good-really good-tomatoes on hand). Then add about half the tuna mixture and 3 to 4 slices of hard-boiled egg.
• Crisscross each sandwich with 2 drained anchovy fillets and strew with Niçoise olives (pit them if desired), chopped scallion greens, and sliced radishes. Then drizzle generously with more olive oil and top with the remaining kaiser halves, pressing gently but firmly.

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.

PAN BAGNAT LOAF STUFFED WITH SALADE NICOISE

Steps:

• Split the loaf in half lengthwise. Drizzle both cut surfaces with olive oil and scatter the vinegar and garlic on the bottom half. Sprinkle both cut sides with salt and pepper.
• Roughly chop the tomatoes and spread over the bottom half, then sprinkle over the capers and olives. Lay the anchovies on top, scatter with basil leaves and press everything down lightly.
• Cover the filling with the other half of the loaf and press down firmly.
• Wrap tightly in foil or greaseproof paper and place a weight on top for at least half an hour, longer if you have the time (4 hours maximum).
• Unwrap and cut into thick slices.

SALMON SALAD NIçOISE

Steps:

• Combine sherry vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl; stir briskly until vinaigrette is well combined.
• Add olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking briskly after each addition. Season with salt and pepper and whisk until well combined; set aside.
• Bring a pan of lightly salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, making sure the water level is above the potatoes. Add green beans and boil until beans are bright-green and tender crisp, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Sieve out green beans and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and place in a large bowl.
• Test potatoes for doneness by slightly piercing a potato with a sharp knife. If done, the knife should slip in with only a slight resistance. Drain potatoes, cool slightly, slice in half, and add to the bowl. Add bell pepper and drizzle vinaigrette over salad. Toss until well combined.
• Line a serving plate with lettuce leaves and arrange potatoes, green beans, and pepper strips on top. Evenly place olive halves around the salad.
• Lightly toss the sliced cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt, and place around the plate.
• Place salmon flakes on top of salad. Slice egg in half, and place one half of the egg on each side of the plate. Serve.