Pan Bagna Provencal Stuffed Sandwich Loaf Recipes

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.

PAN BAGNA

Steps:

• Halve the bread horizontally, hollow out the top and the bottom, leaving 1/2-inch-thick shells, and brush the bottom shell with 1 tablespoon of the oil. In a blender combine the remaining 3 tablespoons oil with the garlic, the vinegar, and salt to taste and blend the dressing until it is emulsified. Spread the goat cheese in the bottom shell and top it with the olives, the arugula, the radishes, and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the radishes with one third of the dressing, top them with the tuna and salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle half the remaining dressing over the tuna. Top the tuna with the tomatoes, the basil, and salt and pepper to taste, drizzle the mixture with the remaining dressing, and fit the top shell over it. Wrap the pan bagna tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a shallow baking pan. Top the pan bagna with a baking sheet and a large gratin dish filled with several 1-pound weights and chill it for 1 hour. The pan bagna may be made 6 hours in advance and kept covered and chilled. Serve the pan bagna cut into 2-inch slices.