[Recipe] Pan Bagna (Bathed Bread)

[Guest guest]

Ingredients:

 

1 16-inch sourdough or whole wheat baguette

Extra-virgil olive oil

1 small garlic clove, peeled and crushed

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Sliced white cheese, use your favorite (vegans, use vegan cheese)

Sliced tomatoes

Arugula leaves, rinsed and spun dry

 

Your choice of any or all:

 

Your favorite fake meat(s)

Sliced black or Kalamata olives

Radishes, sliced

Fresh basil leaves, shredded

Grilled eggplant

Cucumbers, sliced

Roasted red peppers

Thinly sliced red onion

Capers

Sliced scallions

Sliced pickles

Sliced artichoke hearts

Sliced hard-boiled eggs

Sliced jalapenos

Spicy Italian giardiniera mix, diced (find this if you can; it's wonderful on

pan bagna.

Usually found near pickles at grocery store)

 

Preparation:

 

Halve the bread horizontally. Brush both halves lightly with olive oil. Rub with

crushed

garlic. Drizzle lightly with balsamic vinegar.

 

Layer bottom half of bread with cheese, tomatoes, and arugula, and then pile on

your

desired remaining ingredients. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil.

 

Top with remaining half of bread, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Put in a

shallow baking

pan, then place a very heavy book or a heavy cast iron skillet on top. Chill for

at least 2

hours, or up to 24. (This last step may sound silly, but it really allows all of

the flavors to

meld wonderfully, making for a much tastier sandwich.)