Ahh, the fickleness of food trends. One minute it is all about iceberg and jello ambrosia, and the next it’s pomegranate vinegar and grilled romaine. Then, acai (don’t ask me how to say that) and kimchi. Canned tuna, once a common and integral ingredient in every 1970’s kitchen, is looked down upon as a pedestrian staple. Until lately, when the appeal of shelf-stable food is in the spotlight. But this is not your 1970’s tuna sandwich!
I feel this open face sandwich elevates my tuna sandwich from lunchbox fodder to cuisine. It is just delicious. Tangy and fresh, yet rich and deep, and very balanced. So simple. Perhaps the secret is the tuna packed in oil, because I find water-packed tuna dry and flavorless or overly salty. As always, when purchasing your fish (fresh or canned) don’t forget to refer to your Seafood Watch app from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Oceans first!
Recipe
Tuna, Artichoke & Olive Salad Melts
Serves 4INGREDIENTS
- 2 7oz. cans of tuna in oil (drained)
- 1 cup artichoke quarters in water (drained and chopped)
- ½ cup green olives, pitted, in water, sliced
- 2 tsp zest and 1 tbsp juice of a lemon ( Meyer if available)
- 1 tsp chopped capers (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp mayonnaise (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 4 large slices sourdough bread
- ½ cup parmesan cheese and/or gruyere cheese grated
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 medium tomatoes, sliced (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Gently fold all of the ingredients for the tuna salad through. Salt and pepper to taste, until well combined.
- On an oven sheet, very lightly toast the bread. Then, while still warm from toasting, gently rub garlic clove over the toast. Spread the mustard over toasts. Lay slices of tomato, and salt & pepper them. Next, mound the tuna salad on top of prepared toasts and top with the cheese. Carefully broil the bread until the cheese is melted and brown.
- Serve with a fork, knife and a keen appetite. Enjoy!
Monterey Bay Seafood Watch
Check this out. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has an easy-to-use, always-updated, science-based seafood advisory lists for consumers and businesses. The app even has a special sushi list. I never buy fish before I check it on this list. It is good for you and the planet. Get the free app.