Last Friday, I spent the day waiting in doctors’ offices while Carlo got tested for an array of ailments, put on oxygen and an IV drip, and had a CAT scan of his abdomen. It was really scary, and even though we don’t definitively know what was wrong with him, Carlo is thankfully doing much better after resting for a few days.
The only “bright spot” of this daunting day was finding this recipe for a Tunisian Tuna Sandwich in a Metropolitan Home magazine in one of the doctor’s waiting room. This week after Carlo regained his appetite, I made it and we both enjoyed the salty tang of the sandwich. This recipe makes enough for 2 large sandwiches at $2.23 each, a fraction of what you would pay at a fancy sandwich shop.
Tunisian Tuna Sandwich
1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled, cubed (1/2-inch pieces)
2 large eggs
2 5-oz cans water-packed, albacore tuna, drained
1/4 cup capers, drained
1/2 cup chopped parsley
juice of 2 lemons
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
salt and pepper
2 demi-baguettes or rolls
Harissa
Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until they are tender, and then drain and let them cool. Cover the eggs with cold water in a small saucepan and cook them over a high heat for 12 minutes, then cool them in a bowl of ice water. Once they are cool, peel and slice the eggs.
In a large bowl, combine the tuna, capers, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil and mix with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I just kept on adding lemon juice and a bit of olive oil until the mixture tasted how I liked it. Lastly fold in the potatoes into the sandwich filling.
Gently toast the cut baguettes or rolls, and pull out the the soft insides of the bread. Spread the bottom side of the bread with a generous amount of harissa and top with a sliced egg. Then add the tuna stuffing on top and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to finish off the sandwich.
Sorry to hear about Carlo! I just saw this site off Bethany’s….love it! Going to start reading every day.
So I made this today. I still need to find harissa. I’m hoping Central Market or the flagship Whole Foods has it. They did not have it at Sur La Table. I had printed out the Metropolitan Home recipe. How much tuna do they think a person can eat?
The only thing I did differently was add a bit of fresh tarragon. I think it works, but I really like that flavor.
I hope Carlo is doing better.
I am feeling better thanks
If CM or WF doesn’t have the harissa, you could try Phoenicia Deli on Burnet (I’m assuming you live in Austin), I would think they’d have it (and lots of other great stuff, too, like their roasted chicken sandwich!). Otherwise, you could use some Sriacha. The flavor’s different, but a decent substitute.
Thanks Carlo. I think I will try Phoenicia Deli and get a sandwich while I’m there. Maybe some baklava too. Yum!
I’m glad you’re feeling better.