Recipes › Sandwich › Tuna Caper and Rocket Sandwich Recipe

Tuna Caper and Rocket Sandwich Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This Italian-inspired sandwich brings together quality canned tuna, briny capers, and peppery rocket leaves on crusty bread for a fresh, satisfying lunch. The combination of flavours is bright and Mediterranean, requiring no cooking and coming together in just minutes. A simple yet elegant preparation that celebrates straightforward ingredients.

Ingredients

• 200g canned tuna in olive oil, drained
• 30ml extra virgin olive oil
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers in brine, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 60g fresh rocket (arugula)
• 4 slices crusty Italian bread or ciabatta (approximately 1cm thick each)
• 30g roasted red peppers from a jar, cut into strips
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 small garlic clove, halved

Instructions

1. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and place it in a small bowl.

2. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped capers to the tuna. Mix gently with a fork until just combined, being careful not to break the tuna into a paste. Season with salt and pepper.

3. If using a halved garlic clove, lightly rub the cut surface over each slice of bread to add subtle garlic flavour.

4. Lightly toast the bread slices if desired for extra structure and warmth, or leave them fresh. This step is optional depending on preference.

5. Lay out two slices of bread on a clean work surface. Divide the tuna mixture evenly between them, spooning it onto each slice and gently spreading with the back of the spoon.

6. Layer the roasted red pepper strips over the tuna mixture on each sandwich.

7. Top each sandwich with a generous handful of fresh rocket leaves, dividing evenly.

8. Top each sandwich with the second slice of bread. Press down gently to secure the layers.

9. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half using a sharp serrated knife. Arrange the halves on a plate and serve immediately.

Substitutions

• Replace canned tuna with fresh cooked tuna flakes or tinned chickpeas for a vegetarian version with similar texture
• Use rocket with a mix of spinach or leafy lettuce if rocket is unavailable or too peppery for your taste
• Substitute capers with chopped green olives or finely diced cornichons for a similar briny, tangy element
• Replace roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomato slices for different acidity and sweetness

Tips

• For the best flavour and texture, use tuna packed in olive oil rather than water, and reserve some of the oil for the dressing
• Toast the bread lightly if making this sandwich more than 30 minutes before serving to prevent sogginess from the tuna oil
• Keep all ingredients cool until assembly to maintain freshness, especially the rocket which wilts quickly
• Arrange the sandwich immediately before eating rather than preparing ahead, as the bread will absorb moisture from the tuna mixture over time

This sandwich reflects the Italian coastal tradition of combining fresh seafood with simple, high-quality ingredients. The use of capers and rocket is typical of Mediterranean cuisine, where pantry staples like canned tuna are transformed into elegant yet casual meals that are enjoyed throughout Italy for quick lunches and light dinners.

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