BEST OF THE BEST TOMATO, BASIL, AND FRESH RICOTTA SANDWICH WITH

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Best of the Best Tomato, Basil, and Fresh Ricotta Sandwich With image

From the 'Best of the Best 2008' Cook's Illustrated Cookbook. This recipe is adpated from the Gotham Bar & Grill Cookbook (New York City). This sandwich illustrates how much pleasure can be created with just a few drastically different ingredients. Juicy beefsteak tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves set against the bracing taste of tapenade and cool ricotta cheese - all within the confines of toasted bread. Each bite teases the tastebuds for a long expectant moment before the ingredients begin to register. Don't even think about making this sandwich outside of August or September, when tomatoes are at their juciest, plumpest peak. This sandwich is a great indulgence to bring to the beach, especially since it actually gets better after the flavors have had time to blend. The tapenade, a thick olive paste with anchoves and capers makes a great spread for sandwich and hors d'oeuvres. Salt-packed anchovies are found at Italian and Mediterranean grocers. They are superior to oil-packed canned anchovies. If necessary, substitute 2 oil-packed anchovey fillets for each salt-packed anchovy.

Provided by TxGriffLover

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 sandwiches, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 large slice crusty sourdough bread or 8 large Italian bread, lightly toasted
1/2 cup tapenade (recipe follows)
2 large ripe beefsteak tomatoes, thickly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
coarse salt and fresh ground white pepper
1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
12 large basil leaves
2 whole salt-packed anchovies
1 cup pitted kalamata olive
2 teaspoons capers, rinsed
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cognac or 1 teaspoon brandy
1 small garlic clove, minced
fresh ground white pepper

Steps:

  • For the tapenade, place the anchovies in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand for 10 minutes to remove the salt. Drain.
  • Using a small knife, lift the anchovy fillets from their bones.
  • In a food processor, pulse the anchovy fillets with the remaining ingredients until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl and mix well. Serve at room temperature. Makes about 3/4 cup.
  • To make each sandwich, spread 1 toasted bread slice with 2 Tablespoons of tampenade.
  • Cover with a few overlapping tomato slices, drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Spread with 2 Tablespoons fresh ricotta, season again with salt and pepper, then top with 3 basil leaves.
  • Top with another slice of toasted bread, then cut in half with a serrated knife.
  • Variations: Make this into an open-faced sandwich and serve with a bouquet of dressed salad greens. Substitute Roquefort cheese for the ricotta and leave out the tapenade.

Ecter Renter
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This sandwich is amazing!


Mahammad hanif mahar Hanif mahar
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a new favorite in my house.


ashika ghimire
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This sandwich is a must-try for any tomato lover!


Suraj Aacharya
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I'm definitely going to make this sandwich again!


adisu melese
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This sandwich is a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables.


Kay-Anna Hunt
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I've never made a sandwich like this before, but it was surprisingly easy and delicious.


Md Fine islam
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This sandwich is perfect for a picnic or potluck.


ayehsa khan
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I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes, but I really enjoyed this sandwich. The ricotta and basil really balance out the flavor of the tomatoes.


Wali Shafeeq
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This sandwich is a great way to use up leftover tomatoes and basil.


Amjad Ali
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I love how versatile this sandwich is. You can use any kind of bread you like and add your favorite toppings. I often add avocado or roasted red peppers.


Olga Seraphin
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This sandwich is so easy to make and it's absolutely delicious.


Abbas Arif
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I've made this sandwich a few times now and it's always a hit! My friends and family love it.


muhizi gilbert
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This sandwich is the perfect summer lunch! It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. I especially love the combination of the sweet tomatoes, the creamy ricotta, and the fresh basil.


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