Open Tomato Sandwich

Open Tomato Sandwich Recipe from Malta | Vegetarian Recipe

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Open Tomato Sandwich is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes on a bed of crusty bread. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or snack, and can be customized with your favorite garnishes.

History

The Open Tomato Sandwich has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh and simple ingredients are used to create flavorful dishes. This recipe has been enjoyed for generations as a way to showcase the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes.

Ingredients

thick slices of crusty bread
red ripe tomatoes, halved and seeded
olive oil
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Garnish

Pick your favorites of the following or use them all
vinegar
fresh basil leaves
fresh mint leaves
capers
anchovies
finely-sliced onion

How to prepare

Cut the tomatoes in half and rub each half on the slices of bread.
Pour the olive oil onto a flat plate and press the tomato side of the bread into it.
Place the tomato half back on the slice of bread, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any garnish of your choice.
Arrange the bread on a serving dish and garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves.
Alternatively, you can use tomato purée instead of fresh tomatoes.

Variations

Add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese for a Caprese-style sandwich.
Top the sandwich with grilled vegetables for added flavor.
Use different types of bread, such as whole grain or sourdough, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Make sure to use a good quality olive oil for drizzling on the bread.

- Experiment with different garnishes to customize the sandwich to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Open Tomato Sandwich with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Open Tomato Sandwich is to use ripe tomatoes and high quality olive oil. Be sure to season the tomatoes well with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use tomato purée or canned tomatoes instead. You can also use different types of bread or garnishes to customize the sandwich to your taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tomatoes and bread ahead of time, but it's best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Open Tomato Sandwich on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve the sandwich on individual plates for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

Open Tomato Sandwich pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also goes well with a side of olives or pickles for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Open Tomato Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a toaster oven or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Open Tomato Sandwich contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Open Tomato Sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Open Tomato Sandwich contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Open Tomato Sandwich contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Open Tomato Sandwich is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread. It may also contain allergens depending on the garnishes used.

Summary

Open Tomato Sandwich is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins.

Summary

Open Tomato Sandwich is a simple and delicious dish that highlights the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite garnishes for a personalized touch. Enjoy this sandwich for a light and satisfying meal!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her quaint little cottage by the sea. Mary was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Mary invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a ripe, juicy tomato she had just picked from her garden. "We're going to make open tomato sandwiches," she announced with a twinkle in her eye. I had never heard of such a thing before, but I was eager to learn.

As we worked together, Mary shared the story of how she had learned to make open tomato sandwiches from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. The simplicity of the dish appealed to me, and I was captivated by the way Mary effortlessly transformed fresh, wholesome ingredients into a delicious and satisfying meal.

The key, Mary explained, was to start with the best ingredients. The ripest tomatoes, the freshest herbs, the crustiest bread – these were the building blocks of a truly unforgettable open tomato sandwich. With Mary's guidance, I learned how to slice the tomatoes just so, how to season them with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, how to layer them on a slice of toasted bread with a generous dollop of creamy goat cheese.

As we sat down to enjoy our open tomato sandwiches, I marveled at the simplicity and beauty of the dish. The flavors of the ripe tomatoes, the tangy goat cheese, and the fragrant herbs danced on my tongue, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made open tomato sandwiches countless times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness, other times I top them with a handful of peppery arugula for a bit of crunch. But no matter how I choose to tweak the recipe, the essence of Mary's original creation always shines through.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of open tomato sandwiches to the next generation. Each time I make them, I think of Mary and her warm kitchen by the sea, and I am grateful for the simple yet profound lesson she taught me that day – that the best meals are made with love, care, and the finest ingredients nature has to offer.

As I sit here now, savoring a freshly made open tomato sandwich, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring to our lives. And for that, I am truly grateful.