When watching your weight, it's hard to find sandwiches that are packed with flavor, but aren't filled with calories. The Heirloom Tomato Sandwich accomplishes both.
Next time you head to the market, skip the various types of red tomatoes and make your way to the beautiful multi-colored heirloom tomatoes. While they are a little more expensive then their purely red counterparts, the juicy taste is well worth it. Look for deals on heirloom tomatoes in the summer season. You may find that they are actually the same price as their "Vine-Ripe" counterparts.
Things You'll Need
- 1 Large Heirloom Tomato (per sandwich)
- 1 Cibatta or French Baguette
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Fresh Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan
- Cheese Grater
- Frying Pan
- Tea Kettle or Sandwich Presser
- Knife
Making the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
- Slice your cibatta or French baguette into sizable sandwich pieces. One baguette will usually serve 3 to 4 people.
- Slice your heirloom tomato in thin pieces starting at the base of the tomato and working toward the stem.
- Arrange the sliced heirloom tomato so that's spread evenly along your bread.
- Crack some fresh pepper and a dash of salt to the sandwich.
- Break fresh leaves of basil into small pieces and spread along the heirloom tomato.
- Grate a small amount of Parmesan cheese along the entire sandwich.
- Drizzle a small amount of Balsamic vinegar over the entire sandwich.
- Place the sandwich in the frying pan with a heavy object like a sandwich press or tea kettle on top of it.
- Turn the stove to a medium heat and allow it to cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip your sandwich over, again placing the sandwich press or tea kettle on top of it and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich from the pan and serve hot.
Alternative Ideas for the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
- If you aren't watching your waistline, one can be a little more liberal with the amount of cheese they are placing on the sandwich. Also, experiment with different cheeses such as barata, a fresh mozzarella, or brie. These cheeses all have higher fat contents than Parmesan cheese, but offer a creamy texture and taste.
- Think about adding different toppings to your Heirloom Tomato sandwich as well. Instead of balsamic vinegar, you can use an Italian dressing. Sprinkle sliced olives or roasted peppers on your sandwich.
- Add other fresh herbs and spices such as oregano, parsley or crushed red pepper to give your sandwich more of a bite.
- Finally, if you wish not to have a "flattened" sandwich, place your sandwich in the toaster oven. This will crisp the bread giving it an amazing rustic flavor.
Other low calorie sandwich ideas can be found on sites like Calorie Count or Kitchen Link.
The copyright of the article The Heirloom Tomato Sandwich in Healthy Cooking is owned by Armand Famiglietti. Permission to republish The Heirloom Tomato Sandwich in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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