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.

Boys Mehedi
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This is the best tomato basil and fresh ricotta sandwich I've ever had! 10/10 would recommend.


Akello Gloria
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I love that this sandwich is so versatile. You can add or remove ingredients to suit your own taste.


Shanta Khadka
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This sandwich is so easy to make, even my kids can help. It's a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.


Muhammad shakir M shakir
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I'm not a vegetarian, but I really appreciate that this sandwich is meat-free. It's a great option for Meatless Mondays.


Vanilla Bryce
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This is the perfect sandwich for a quick and easy lunch. It's also really portable, so it's great for picnics or road trips.


Bit Stream
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I've never been a fan of ricotta cheese, but this sandwich changed my mind. It's so creamy and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with the tomatoes and basil.


Greg Grono
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This sandwich is so simple, but it's so delicious. I love the combination of flavors and textures.


Cyrus Pryor
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I'm not a huge fan of tomatoes, but I really enjoyed this sandwich. The basil and ricotta cheese really helped to balance out the flavor of the tomatoes.


AMDAD SERVICE
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This is the perfect summer sandwich! It's light, refreshing, and so easy to make.


Zakari Dahiru
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I love the freshness of this sandwich. The tomatoes and basil are so flavorful, and the ricotta cheese adds a nice creamy touch.


Afia Jannat
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I've made this sandwich several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's so easy to make, and it's so delicious.


Jennifer Vega
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This sandwich was a hit at my last party! The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and ricotta cheese is simply divine. I highly recommend using high-quality ingredients, as they really make a difference in the overall flavor.