California Niçoise Sandwich

Inspired by the classic French salad, this fancy tuna sandwich takes a Western turn with sourdough and avocados. Prep Time: about 30 minutes. Notes: We love this sandwich on crusty sourdough, but it can be a bit messy to eat. For a tidier bite, try soft Italian-style bread. Make up to 3 hours ahead; keep well chilled until ready to serve.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1  baguette-style loaf, about 20 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide
• 1/2  cup  mayonnaise
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 2  teaspoons  grated lemon peel
• 2  cans (6 1/2 to 7 oz. each) oil-packed tuna, drained
• 1 1/2  tablespoons  chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 1/2  tablespoons  red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2  cup  thinly sliced radishes
• 1  medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 2  hard-cooked eggs, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2  avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/2  cup  chopped pitted kalamata olives

Preparation

1. Slice loaf in half lengthwise. Scoop out about 3/4 of the bread from the top and bottom halves to create pockets; discard scooped-out bread.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon peel. Spread generously over inside of loaf's top half.

3. In a medium bowl, stir together the tuna, tarragon, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into bottom half of loaf.

4. Top tuna mixture with radish slices, then the tomato, eggs, and avocado slices. Spoon olives over all and top with the other loaf half. To serve, slice into 6 equal portions.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Wine pairing: A fresh, lively dry rosé--preferably a Grenache--is great with this sandwich; licorice in the wine can echo the tarragon in the sandwich.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

495 (51% from fat)

Protein:

25g

Fat:

28g (sat 4.7)

Carbohydrate:

35g

Fiber:

2.7g

Sodium:

881mg

Cholesterol:

92mg