May 18, 2015

AUTHENTIC PAN BAGNAT FROM NICE

The Flavour-Packed Sandwich from the South of France

Are you ready to take a culinary journey to the sun-drenched streets of Nice? If so, I have the perfect recipe for you! Let me introduce to the Pan Bagnat, the sandwich that is guaranteed to transport you to the heart of the South of France with just one bite.

I discovered this delicious treat through my dear friend Sophie, who hails from Nice and kindly shared her family’s authentic recipe with me. It turns out, her grandmother has been making this classic sandwich for generations, and Sophie is proud to carry on the tradition. In France, there is always an air of pride when it comes to sharing family recipes, and this pan bagnat is no exception.

The Family Recipe for Pan Bagnat

However, as with many traditional dishes, there are multiple variations of the pan bagnat recipe. My other friend Agathe, also from Nice, has her own version, which she claims is the “original recipe, my dear Sixtine.” It just goes to show that there are as many original recipes as there are people, each with their own unique twist. For this particular one, Sophie shared with me the version passed down from her grandmother, and I must say, it’s simply irresistible.

Discovering the Authentic Pan Bagnat

The pan bagnat is a sandwich made with fresh, crusty bread that is stuffed with an abundance of ingredients, including tuna, anchovies, black olives, boiled eggs, lettuce, tomato, and more. The ingredients are then bathed in a flavourful olive oil dressing, making the bread soft and fragrant. This sandwich is a true reflection of Nice’s Mediterranean cuisine, with its focus on simple, fresh ingredients.

While I was unable to find cebette (a kind of spring onion) for this recipe, I have faith that it will still be a delicious sandwich without it. The key to a successful pan bagnat is to let the aromas marinate and meld together, so be sure to prepare it a few hours in advance. This way, the bread will soak up all the goodness of the dressing and the flavours will become even more pronounced.

From the Banks of the Rhône to the Heart of Nîmes: The Costières de Nîmes Story

Nestled between the ancient city of Nîmes and the western Rhône Valley lies the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée of Costières (AOC) de Nîmes, a place where wines are crafted with care and imbued with the essence of the sun-kissed Mediterranean. With 15,000 hectares of vineyards and an annual production of 21 million bottles, this region boasts a rich and diverse wine culture, with 51% red and 45% rosé wines to choose from.

A Blend of Tradition and Terroir: The Characteristics of Costières de Nîmes Wines

The Costières de Nîmes red wine is a perfect representation of the warmth of the South. Made from a classic Southern Rhône Blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes, these wines are robust, spicy, and packed with rich, fruity essence. They are more akin to Rhône wines than Languedoc wines, offering an expressive nose of black fruits with notes of black olive and pepper.

The terroir of Costières de Nîmes is a big part of what makes these wines so special. The region is close to the Mediterranean Sea and the Roman city of Nîmes, and it is known for its dry, warm weather and soil covered with stones that give the wine its unique character. These stones, known as “galets roulés,” retain the heat of the day and release it at night, helping to keep the vines warm and producing wines with a unique sense of place.

Take, for example, Le Sang des Seigneurs, a classic Costières de Nîmes. With its expressive nose of black fruits and notes of black olive and pepper, it is the epitome of what makes these wines so sought after. Another standout is the “Saveurs Du Temps Costieres” de Nimes from Languedoc-Roussillon, which showcases the rich hints and depth of this region.

A Toast to the Heart of the Mediterranean

Whether enjoyed with a meal or sipped solo, a glass of Costières de Nîmes is a journey to the heart of the South of France. So, why not raise a glass and let the warm sunshine of Nice seep into your soul? This wine is the perfect pairing for a pan bagnat, and together they make a delicious celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. So, sit back, relax, and allow yourself to be transported to the sun-kissed vineyards of Nîmes with every sip.

The South of France with Every Bite of Pan Bagnat

Don’t wait any longer, grab your ingredients and start on your culinary journey to the South of France. I promise that you won’t regret it. Your taste buds will thank you! And who knows, maybe you’ll even discover your own “original recipe” along the way. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Twist

You may wish to enjoy some new recipes with a Mediterranean vibe :

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)