Occitan Pan-bagnat

Ingredients

While the original French Pan-bagnat typically includes ingredients like tuna, olives, and anchovies, this Occitan adaptation focuses on the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Occitan cuisine. It incorporates fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, along with local herbs like thyme and rosemary. The Occitan Pan-bagnat celebrates the region's love for vibrant produce and Mediterranean flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Pan-bagnat, so you can check it out.

• 1 crusty baguette 1 crusty baguette
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the baguette horizontally, leaving one side intact.
2. 2.
   Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar on both sides of the baguette.
3. 3.
   Layer the sliced tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion on the bottom half of the baguette.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables.
5. 5.
   Place the basil leaves, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig on top of the vegetables.
6. 6.
   Close the sandwich by placing the top half of the baguette over the filling.
7. 7.
   Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
8. 8.
   Before serving, slice the Occitan Pan-bagnat into individual portions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Baguette — Choose a crusty baguette with a soft interior to ensure a satisfying texture.
• Fresh herbs — Gently bruise the herbs before adding them to the sandwich to release their aromatic oils and enhance the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can brush the inside of the baguette with garlic-infused olive oil before assembling the sandwich.
• Allow the sandwich to sit for a few minutes after slicing to let the flavors meld together even more.
• Customize your Occitan Pan-bagnat by adding other ingredients like sliced radishes, artichoke hearts, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Serving advice

Serve the Occitan Pan-bagnat as a refreshing lunch or picnic option. It pairs well with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad.

Presentation advice

To showcase the vibrant colors of the Occitan Pan-bagnat, cut it into diagonal slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or basil leaves for an elegant touch.