Sink your teeth into the ultimate summer delight with The BEST Tomato Sandwich, a heavenly combination of ripe heirloom tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and fragrant basil nestled between slices of fluffy focaccia bread. Get ready to savor every juicy bite of this simple yet incredibly flavourful sandwich.
Heirloom tomatoes are in season at the moment in Australia. They are only in season for such a short period so I have been eating as many as I can!
The best tomato sandwich was made from the left overs of my Heirloom Tomato Salad recipe. Because these tomatoes have so much flavour, they are best enjoyed simply, which is why I don't use many other ingredients in my heirloom tomato recipes.
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Ingredients for the best tomato sandwich
- Tomatoes: Large heirloom tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness to the sandwich, providing a burst of flavour.
- Ricotta: Creamy ricotta cheese adds richness and a hint of tanginess, elevating the sandwich's texture and taste.
- Lemon: Zest and juice from half a lemon bring a refreshing citrusy brightness to the sandwich, enhancing its overall freshness.
- Fresh Basil: Fragrant basil leaves impart a delightful aroma and herbaceous flavour, enhancing the sandwich's summery appeal.
- Red Onion: Sliced red onion adds a subtle crunch and mild pungency, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and richness of the ricotta.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzling of olive oil enhances the sandwich's richness and adds a subtle fruity note, tying all the flavours together.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of balsamic vinegar lends a sweet and tangy complexity, elevating the sandwich's flavour profile.
- Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkling of sea salt flakes enhances the natural flavours of the tomatoes and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Focaccia Bread: Fluffy focaccia bread serves as the perfect vessel for this sandwich, providing a soft yet sturdy base to hold all the delicious ingredients together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for the best tomato sandwich
Slice the tomatoes and red onion
Cut open the focaccia and spread on the ricotta, then add the lemon zest, juice and salt
Add the onion and basil
Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Helpful Hint;
Seasoning Layers: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt between each layer of tomatoes to ensure they are evenly seasoned throughout the sandwich.
Substitutions
- Mozzarella: Substitute ricotta with slices of fresh mozzarella for a more traditional caprese-style sandwich.
- Spinach: Swap out basil for baby spinach leaves for a milder, earthy flavor.
- Ciabatta Bread: Use ciabatta bread instead of focaccia for a crustier texture and slightly different flavor profile.
Variations
- Avocado Addition: Enhance the sandwich with slices of creamy avocado for an extra layer of richness and creaminess.
- Pesto Spread: Replace ricotta with a dollop of pesto sauce for a burst of herbal flavor and vibrant green color.
- Grilled Option: Elevate the sandwich by grilling the tomatoes and onions for a smoky twist, adding depth of flavor.
Storage
To maintain freshness, store any leftover sandwich components (such as sliced tomatoes, onions, and basil) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwich just before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Absolutely! Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes such as cherry tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes based on your preference and seasonal availability.
Yes, you can use mashed avocado or a vegan cream cheese as a dairy-free substitute for ricotta to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
The Best Tomato Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tomatoes large, heirloom
- ⅓ cup ricotta
- ½ lemon zest and juice
- fresh basil
- ¼ red onion
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- sea salt flakes
- focaccia bread
Instructions
- Thinly slice the tomatoes and onion
- Cut open your focaccia
- Spread over the ricotta and top with a pinch of sea salt, lemon zest and lemon juice
- Add the tomatoes, adding a light sprinkle of salt between in each layer to season the them
- Top with the onions, basil and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Top off with the other piece of focaccia and enjoy
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