Mediterranean Pressed Baguette
Elevate your picnic experience with this exquisite Mediterranean Pressed Baguette, known as Pan Bagnat. Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, this sandwich is an indulgent treat that showcases the bounty of the Mediterranean. The key to this recipe is the pressing technique, which allows the crispy baguette to soak up the delicious juices and oils from the fillings, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Whether enjoying it on a sunny day or savoring it at home, this sandwich is the perfect companion for gatherings, picnics, or a delightful lunch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baguette
1 (Long, cut lengthwise)
Garlic
1 clove (Pressed)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (Extra-virgin)
Tomato
1 (Thinly sliced)
Cucumber
1 (Thinly sliced)
Red onion
1/2 (Thinly sliced)
Kalamata olives or ripe black olives
1/2 cup (Pitted and sliced)
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Sliced cheese
4 ounces (Freshly cut, no processed slices)
Hard-boiled eggs
2 (Quartered)
Red capsicum
1 (Thinly sliced)
Capers
1/4 cup (Rinsed and drained)
Artichoke hearts
1 cup
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup
Herbs
To taste (Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or your choice)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the baguette in half lengthwise, ensuring you don't cut all the way through the loaf.
2
Gently open the baguette and spread the pressed garlic evenly on the inside of one half.
3
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil generously on both the garlic-spread side and the other half of the baguette.
4
On the garlic and oil side, layer the thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives. Feel free to add any additional ingredients such as capers, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.
5
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the layered ingredients to enhance their flavors.
6
Add the sliced cheese and carefully place the hard-boiled eggs, cut into quarters, on top of the layers.
7
Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the top half of the baguette.
8
Close the baguette tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure it is well-sealed.
9
Place the wrapped baguette on a flat surface and weigh it down with a heavy book or a few heavy items to ensure even pressing. Allow it to rest for 1 to 3 hours.
10
Once pressed, remove the wrapping, slice the sandwich into serving portions, and serve immediately or store in a cool place until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mediterranean Pressed Baguette?
Also known as Pan Bagnat, it is an exquisite picnic sandwich featuring fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs pressed into a baguette.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 specific ingredients including baguette, garlic, olive oil, and various Mediterranean vegetables.
What is the key technique for making this sandwich?
The key is the pressing technique, which allows the baguette to soak up juices and oils from the fillings for a harmonious flavor.
How should I cut the baguette?
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, but ensure you do not cut all the way through the loaf.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for extra-virgin olive oil.
How is the garlic prepared?
The garlic should be pressed and then spread evenly on the inside of one half of the baguette.
What vegetables are layered in the sandwich?
The layers include thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives.
Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?
Yes, you can add optional items like capers, roasted red peppers, or artichokes.
How do I season the vegetables?
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground pepper over the layered ingredients to enhance their flavors.
What kind of cheese should be used?
Use 4 ounces of freshly cut sliced cheese; avoid using processed slices.
Are the eggs in the recipe raw or cooked?
The recipe uses two hard-boiled eggs.
How should the hard-boiled eggs be sliced?
The hard-boiled eggs should be cut into quarters before being placed in the sandwich.
Where do I apply the pesto sauce?
The pesto sauce should be spread evenly over the top half of the baguette.
How should I wrap the sandwich for pressing?
Close the baguette tightly and wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
What can I use to weigh down the baguette?
You can use a heavy book or a few heavy items placed on a flat surface.
How long does the sandwich need to rest while being pressed?
Allow the sandwich to rest and press for 1 to 3 hours.
When should I slice the sandwich?
Slice the sandwich into serving portions only after the pressing process is complete.
What type of olives should I use?
The recipe suggests Kalamata olives or ripe black olives, pitted and sliced.
How much pesto sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of pesto sauce.
What herbs are recommended for this baguette?
Fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or any choice of fresh herbs can be used.
How should the capers be prepared?
The capers should be rinsed and drained before being added to the sandwich.
Can this sandwich be made ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires pressing for 1-3 hours, it is an ideal make-ahead meal.
How should I store the sandwich if not serving immediately?
Once pressed, store the sandwich in a cool place until you are ready to serve.
Is this sandwich suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe as written consists of vegetables, eggs, cheese, and bread.
What size onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced.
What kind of peppers are included?
The ingredients list one thinly sliced red capsicum.
How much artichoke is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of artichoke hearts.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features many fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
What are the common occasions for serving this dish?
It is perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a delightful lunch.
What makes the bread soft inside but flavorful?
The pressing allows the crispy baguette to soak up the olive oil and natural juices from the vegetables.