Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
                        basil dressing
  1              clove  garlic -- peeled
  1                cup  fresh basil leaves -- lightly packed
     1/4           cup  olive oil
                        oil
  1         tablespoon  capers -- drained
  1         tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
  2          teaspoons  dijon mustard
                        sandwich
  1                     baguette -- (10 to 12 ounces),
                        -- about 15 x 2 1/2
  3        thin slices  regular or low-fat provolone
                        -- or
                        mozzarella cheese
  2               cups  fresh spinach -- large stems removed
  1                can  tuna -- (6 1/4 ounces)
                        drained
  2              large  plum tomatoes -- thinly sliced
                        freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

To make dressing, in a food processor or blender, mix all the ingredients until well blended. To make sandwich, cut the bread in half horizontally; hollow out the top and bottom, leaving a 1/2-inch shell. (It may be easier if you cut the bread crosswise into 2 loaves). Spread the dressing over the inside of the top and bottom. Layer the cheese, spinach, tuna and tomatoes into the bottom. Sprinkle with pepper. Cover with bread top. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and place on a baking sheet. Top with another baking sheet and weigh down heavily with cans or weights for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and eat. Remove weights and serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. Before serving, if desired, crisp up the bread by baking the loaf at 450 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes. To serve, cut the loaf crosswise into eight 2-inch slices. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes chill time Makes: 4 servings The only similarity between this sandwich and the humble mayonnaise-drenched ones of my childhood is canned tuna fish. A fresh basil vinaigrette, sliced cheese, juicy tomatoes and crisp spinach leaves boost this Mediterranean version to nutritious bliss.

Nutritional Information:

2024 Calories (kcal); 77g Total Fat; (34% calories from fat); 83g Protein; 247g Carbohydrate; 65mg Cholesterol; 3091mg Sodium