EATS: Heirloom Tomato and Basil Sandwich
The summer temps are really heating up so I’ve been creating some light and fresh summer recipes that leave you feeling satisfied. The heirloom tomato and basil sandwich is the perfect summer lunch. Using seasonal heirloom tomatoes combined with the bright fresh taste of basil and green onions, topped with zesty lemon juice and the crunch of pine nuts, we create the perfect summer sandwich. To see the process of how this heirloom tomato and basil sandwich is created, check out my reel on Instagram.
Heirloom Tomato and Basil Sandwich Ingredients
Serving size, 2 sandwiches
4 thick slices of pain de Mie (milk bread)
Butter (enough to spread on both sides of each slice of bread)
3 Tablespoons Veganaise (you can use mayo)
Juice of 1/4 of a lemon
1 green onion, chopped
Large handful of basil, chiffonade
1 large heirloom tomato cut in thick steak slices
Small handful pine nuts, crushed
Salt and pepper to season tomatoes and spread to taste
Heirloom Tomato and Basil Sandwich Instructions
Begin with preparing your heirloom tomatoes. You can start this process about an hour in advance to preparing your full sandwich. The earlier you season your tomatoes with salt and pepper, the more time it gives the tomato to absorb the flavor. Slice your tomato into thick steak slices. Salt and pepper each side. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the veganaise/mayo, green onion, basil, and lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
Take your pine nuts and smash them with the flat edge of your chopping knife. Set aside.
Place a medium size pan over medium high heat.
While the pan is heating, cut your bread. The slices should be thick in order to hold the wet ingredients of the sandwich. Butter your bread slices generously on each side. Your bread should be thick enough that it can stand vertical after cutting.
Place bread in the pan and cook each side for approximately 1 minute until golden brown.
Remove toast from pan and begin assembling your sandwich. Spread the basil mayo spread on one side of each slice of toast. Sprinkle some pine nuts over one side. Add your tomato. I had a really large heirloom tomato so one thick slice covered my entire sandwich. If your working with a smaller heirloom tomato, use as many slices as needed to cover the sandwich. Close, cut in half and enjoy!
