Open Faced Tuna Tea Sandwiches With White Bean Spread Recipes

OPEN-FACED TUNA SANDWICHES WITH ARUGULA AND SWEET-PICKLE MAYONNAISE

Steps:

• For the mayonnaise: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sweet pickles until smooth. For the sandwiches: Place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. Season the tuna with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the herbs de Provence. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Place a slice of cheese on each piece of fish during the last minute of grilling. Using a pastry brush, brush the bottom half of the bread with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Cut into 4 pieces, each about 4-inches long and 3-inches wide. Grill, cut side down, for 30 seconds to 1 minute until toasted and golden.
• Spread the grilled bread with the sweet pickle mayonnaise. Place a tuna steak on top. Top with the arugula and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

TUSCAN TUNA-AND-BEAN SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Prepare beans:
• Coarsely mash beans with a fork in a bowl, then stir in garlic, lemon juice, oil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Make tuna:
• Flake tuna in a bowl with a fork, then stir in basil, olives, celery, onion, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined.
• Assemble sandwiches:
• Spoon one fourth of bean mixture on 1 slice of bread, then top with one fourth of tuna salad, some watercress, and a slice of bread. Make 3 more sandwiches in same manner.

TUNA TEA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise and lemon-pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon of goat cheese on each slice of bread. Spread two slices with tuna mixture; top with basil leaves and remaining bread. Cut in half or into desired shapes.

OPEN-FACED FINGER SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Toast the bread. Trim the crusts. Halve the slices into 1 1/2-by-3-inch pieces.
• For the prosciutto and ricotta: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest and salt. Spread the mixture on 6 pieces of bread. Ribbon a piece of prosciutto on top and garnish with 2 arugula leaves.
• For the avocado: Place 2 slices of avocado on 6 pieces of bread. Sprinkle evenly with the quinoa, sea salt and chile flakes.
• For the smoked salmon: In a small bowl, mix together the creme fraiche and capers. Spread evenly over the remaining 6 pieces of bread. Ribbon a piece of salmon over the top and garnish with 1 or 2 batons of chive.

TOASTED BEAN AND CHEESE OPEN-FACED SANDWICHES ("MOLLETES")

Steps:

• Preheat a broiler.
• Drain the beans in a colander set over a bowl. Save the bean liquid.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the drained beans. Using a potato masher, mash the beans until they become a spreadable mixture, adding extra bean liquid, if needed.
• Put the rolls on a baking sheet and broil until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Spread each half of the rolls with about 1/2 cup of the refried beans. Top with shredded cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble. Transfer the rolls to a serving tray and serve.
• Combine the beans, garlic, onion, and bay leaves in a medium pot. Add enough water to reach about 1 1/2 inches over the beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the beans are tender, about 2 hours. Add more water if the beans are absorbing too much liquid. The beans should be soupy when done, with plenty of liquid remaining. Season the beans with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Ladle the beans and cooking liquid into soup bowls and garnish with Mexican crema, cilantro and chopped white onions. Alternatively, the beans can be drained and use as a filling for soft tacos.