Tomatoes are in season. Ahhh… this is the time of year that I look forward to most after the winter has passed. From December to June, I pester my husband asking, “How long before the tomatoes are ripe?” And, to be honest, ours still aren’t ripe. We grow heirlooms from seed (we’re cheap, and heirloom seeds are designed to be used again and again – see how to save heirloom seeds), and unlike the local plant supply store, our tomatoes are not 15″ tall in January. It’s a lesson in patience, to be sure.
However, this does not mean that we cannot benefit from my friends that DID buy their plants at the plant supply store and that have more tomatoes now than they could ever know what to do with! Mary Peyton delivered 3 pounds of tomatoes to my door on Monday. Here it is Thursday and I haven’t used them yet. For shame, I know.
I first had this sandwich at the local deli. It changed my sandwich eating experience forever. No more Subway or Togos for me. The bar has been set. Ciabatta bread, a vinaigrette made with fresh herbs, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and optional turkey are enough to make your mouth sing. Add some pesto and you might be the next American Idol.
big tomato sandwich
1 loaf ciabatta bread, cut into individual sandwich portions
1-2 large, ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom)
roasted red peppers, sliced (you can buy these in a jar or make your own)
fresh mozarella cheese
sliced turkey (optional)
1 cup homemade pesto (store bought can be used, but it won’t be as good!)
vinaigrette:
1 tbs fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)*
1 tbs fresh marjoram (or 1 tsp dried)*
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 4 tsp dried)*
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 to 2 tbs balsamic vinegar (to taste)
Combine spices and garlic in a food processor. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar and blend until mixed.
Spread some of the vinaigrette onto one side of the bread. Spread pesto on the other half. Layer with tomato, cheese, and turkey (if using).
Lastly, grab some napkins because these sandwiches can be juicy!
*Fresh herbs are ALWAYS better, but dried will work in a pinch. I would definitely try to use fresh basil if you can, seeing as how it makes up a good portion of the vinaigrette.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Shirley Madsen // Jul 31, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I made this for your dad’s lunch today with a few ‘minor’ changes since I didn’t have some of the ingredients. The pesto, fresh roasted peppers, and vinaigrette make the sandwich. Fresh mozzarella is a must but I didn’t have any on hand and no time to make any from scratch! Next time I will be better prepared as I know how delicious this sandwich is when it is prepared as described.
2 LeAnn // Aug 17, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Wow that looks great. And on some of that homemade sourdough… Holy Moly!
My Dad has always loved tomato sandwiches, though I hadn’t had one in decades. He was recently at my house and offered to make us some for lunch (Um, OK!). They were SO good, and SO simple – wheat bread, mayo, black pepper, slice of swiss cheese and fat slices of homegrown tomatoes. Delicious!
3 Shirley Madsen // May 7, 2010 at 6:25 pm
This sandwich looks familiar!
4 Shirley Madsen // Aug 6, 2010 at 5:15 pm
I like the new photos. It is fresh tomato time again so you can probably guess what we are having for lunch around here most days.
5 Lily // Jun 17, 2011 at 9:03 am
Looks delish! I found your sandwich on foodgawker and posted a picture on my site with a link to your recipe. I hope that is okay–if not, let me know! xo
6 Katie // Jun 20, 2011 at 7:03 am
I could eat that sandwich every day of my life!
7 Kevin (Closet Cooking) // Jun 22, 2011 at 1:53 am
That sandwich looks so good!
8 Isabella @ TheFatLossAuthority // Dec 1, 2011 at 10:44 am
Love your photos! I am tomato nut and this was just delicious and pretty quick to make. I have made this a couple of times and then I wonder why I don’t make it more often! Thanks for sharing!
9 Nora // Apr 23, 2012 at 10:31 am
Yum! I have actually tried this a couple of time and it’s a great sandwich! The only thing I changed was using a bit less garlic but it still was great!!
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