Caprese Sandwich

I’m still trying to come up with ideas to use up my tomatoes.  I love a Caprese salad, so am doing a spin on it by making it into a sandwich. 

Caprese Sandwich

Basil Chimichuri

1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped fine

2 tablespoons basil chopped fine

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed

1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt

Combine olive oil, parsley, basil, red wine vinegar, garlic, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste.  Let it sit at least an hour develop the flavors.

One large baguette or French bread cut into quarters

Heirloom tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves

Sliced or fresh mozzarella

Olive oil

Garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Slice your baguette in half and slice it down the middle.  Pour a little olive oil on the slices and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder to make a garlic bread.

Toast your bread pieces under the broiler.  Watch it closely until they are lightly toasted.  To build a Caprese sandwich spread the basil chimichuri on the bottom half of the bread. Add slices of sliced or fresh mozzarella cheese.  Put under the broiler again to melt and brown the cheese.  Again watch very closely.  I stand right there and watch it with the door open.

Slice your heirloom tomatoes and put on top of the cheese.  Finish it off with basil leaves and a dash of salt and pepper.

Slice the sandwich into individual size sandwiches and serve while cheese is still warm.

Variation - You can always add a few slices of your favorite meat like ham or turkey, but then it would not be a caprese sandwich.  It would be just as good though.  

If you don’t feel like messing with the oven today because of the heat, I’ll share my Caprese salad with you.  It is even simpler.  I’ve shared it before, but I’ll save you looking it up on the blog.

Caprese Salad

Small fresh mozzarella balls

Cherry or grape tomatoes

Fresh basil

Your favorite balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper

It is that simple.  Secret is finding the mozzarella balls.  I had to get mine out of town.  In fact I have to get all of my fresh mozzarella out of town.  I can never find it in Maquoketa.

Variation - You can always make this on a stick by using skewers.  Make the salad, salt and pepper and pour the vinegar over it and then vary basil, tomato, cheese on the skewer.  

Have a great Monday, stay cool, be happy and may God bless you and yours.