Soup and Sandwich Night

Open-Faced Tuna Melts with Spicy Tomato and White Bean Soup
Romeo and Juliet. Gin and Tonic. Yin and Yang. There some things out there in the world go better in pairs. On a chilly October evening after a long day at the office followed by chores and errands there are few things more satisfying that a nice sandwich covered in melty cheese and a big ol' bowl of soup. When Jordan moved in, he brought with him an X-Box, an enormous tv, and many, many cans of tuna. "Let's do something with these." He said. Challenge accepted.

Ingredients
- 2 7-8 oz cans Albacore tuna (in oil or water), drained
- 1/4 c. chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and diced
- 2 Tbsp. capers, chopped
- 1 handful chopped Italian parsley, divided
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 ciabatta loaf, sliced lengthwise
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- sliced Provolone and cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp. dried dill
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 28 oz. can tomato puree
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1/4 c. minced carrot
- 2 c. chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz. can white beans, rinsed
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp. hot sauce

SPICY TOMATO AND WHITE BEAN SOUP

Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a medium sauce pan. Saute shallots for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, add carrots. Cook another 2 minutes, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add tomatoes, broth, beans, 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley, sugar, pepper flakes, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve.

TUNA MELTS

While soup is simmering, heat the oven to 400˚ F. In a large bowl, combine tuna, olives, capers, onions, dried dill, 2 Tbsp. olive oil, remaining parsley, red wine vinegar, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Set out sliced ciabatta on a foil-lined baking sheet. Top with tuna mixture and then cover with slices of cheddar and Provolone cheeses. Bake in oven 15-20 minutes so that the bread becomes toasty and the cheese is melted. Serve with soup. Eat. Yum.