Grab-and-go offerings of picnicky food are almost universally mediocre and exasperatingly expensive. Resist the temptation to outsource and make your own. This recipe is built to last. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, or leave it out on the counter if you’re going to eat this sandwich within a few hours of making it.
Ingredients
- large loaf of crusty bread
- sliced tomatoes
- roasted red peppers
- marinated artichoke hearts
- red onion
- olives
- capers
- basil leaves
- anchovies
- oil-packed tuna or grilled chicken
- salt and pepper
- red- or white-wine vinegar
- olive oil.
Preparation
- Halve a large loaf of crusty bread horizontally, and remove some of the crumb from each half to make it slightly hollow.
- Build the sandwich, layering on sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, marinated artichoke hearts, red onion, olives, capers, basil leaves and anchovies (if you like them).
- Oil-packed tuna is classic; grilled chicken is also good. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with red- or white-wine vinegar and douse with olive oil.
- Close the sandwich, wrap well in aluminum foil and weight it down with something heavy (a skillet, a milk jug, a rock, a brick, whatever).
- Refrigerate overnight or for up to 24 hours. Cut into pieces, and serve.
- For more on the pan bagnat, check out this video from Melissa Clark.
Dining and Cooking