Nicoise Tuna Sandwich

Nicoise Tuna Sandwich Recipe from Kuwait | White Onion, Red Onion, Tuna, and More

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

The Nicoise Tuna Sandwich is a classic French sandwich that is packed with flavor and texture. This sandwich is perfect for a light and satisfying meal, whether you are on the go or enjoying a leisurely lunch.

History

The Nicoise Tuna Sandwich originates from the city of Nice in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It is a variation of the traditional Salade Niçoise, which is a salad made with tuna, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and anchovies. The sandwich version of this dish is a convenient and portable way to enjoy the flavors of the original salad.

Ingredients

0.25 white onion, thinly sliced
0.13 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
1 tbsp red wine vinegar, plus additional to taste
0.25 tsp salt, plus additional to taste
black pepper to taste
1 x 6 oz (170 g) can tuna packed in olive oil (including olive oil)
lemon juice to taste
2 kaiser rolls, plain
lettuce leaves (combination of Boston, green-leaf, or other green leafy lettuce)
8 tomato slices
6 – 8 hard-boiled egg slices
4 anchovy fillets, drained
niçoise olives
chopped scallions
sliced radishes

How to prepare

Combine the red and white onion with 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp of red-wine vinegar, 0.25 tsp of salt, and several grinds of black pepper in a bowl.
Using your hands, mix and squeeze everything together for 5 minutes. (Do not rush through this part; the onions need time to release their juices and mellow.)
Work in a 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 do not have good — really good — tomatoes on hand).
Then add about half of 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.

Variations

Substitute canned salmon or chicken for the tuna for a different flavor profile.
Add avocado slices or roasted red peppers for extra creaminess and sweetness.
Use whole grain bread or a wrap instead of kaiser rolls for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to take your time when mixing the onions with the olive oil and vinegar. This step allows the onions to release their juices and mellow, adding depth of flavor to the sandwich.

- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and olives, to enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.

- Drizzle the sandwich with extra olive oil before serving to add richness and moisture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich with a side of mixed greens or a cup of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to drain the tuna well before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.

- Press the sandwich gently but firmly before serving to help the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of red-wine vinegar for a different tangy flavor.

- Replace the anchovy fillets with capers for a milder taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the onion and tuna mixture ahead of time and assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

The Nicoise Tuna Sandwich is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (tuna) and eggs.

Summary

The Nicoise Tuna Sandwich is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Nicoise Tuna Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. I was a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother in our cozy kitchen. It was a lazy summer afternoon when my mother announced that we were going to make Nicoise Tuna Sandwiches for lunch. I had never heard of this dish before, but the sound of it piqued my curiosity.

My mother explained that this recipe was inspired by a dish she had tried while traveling in France many years ago. It was a simple yet flavorful sandwich that combined tuna, olives, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs on a bed of fresh lettuce. She assured me that it was a delicious and satisfying meal that was perfect for a warm summer day.

As we gathered the ingredients and started preparing the sandwich, my mother shared stories of her travels and the different recipes she had learned along the way. I listened intently, soaking in every detail and savoring the rich flavors that filled our kitchen.

The key to making the perfect Nicoise Tuna Sandwich, my mother explained, was in the quality of the ingredients. The tuna had to be fresh and flaky, the olives briny and tangy, the tomatoes ripe and juicy, and the lettuce crisp and vibrant. Each element added its own unique flavor and texture to the sandwich, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet.

As we assembled the sandwiches, I watched in awe as my mother expertly layered each ingredient with precision and care. She drizzled a simple vinaigrette over the top, adding a bright and tangy finish to the dish. The final touch was a sprinkling of fresh parsley, which added a pop of color and freshness to the sandwich.

When we sat down to eat our Nicoise Tuna Sandwiches, I was amazed by how delicious they were. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue. I savored each bite, enjoying the simple yet elegant combination of ingredients that made this dish so special.

From that day on, the Nicoise Tuna Sandwich became a staple in our household. Whenever we wanted a quick and satisfying meal, we would whip up a batch of these sandwiches and enjoy them together as a family. The recipe became a cherished tradition, passed down from generation to generation, each one adding their own unique twist to the dish.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. It reminds me of my mother and the special bond we shared in the kitchen, cooking and creating memories together.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for Nicoise Tuna Sandwich, I am filled with nostalgia and gratitude. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that cooking can bring into our lives.

I hope that one day, you will have the opportunity to make this recipe for yourself and create your own happy memories in the kitchen. Remember to savor each bite, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, share it with those you love. For food is not just sustenance, but a way to connect with others and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Bon appétit!