It’s the peak of tomato season, which brings back memories of my favorite summertime lunch: a tomato sandwich. Some of my fondest memories of beach vacations include coming inside with sand on my feet to my mom peeling the brightest, ripest, juiciest tomatoes. She didn’t ask what we wanted for lunch. She knew. We can all agree that things usually taste better when mom makes it, but moms can’t always be around to make our lunch. With that ever increasing awareness that I am now an adult, I walked to the local farmers’ market, picked my own tomatoes and introduced my husband to what has now become his favorite summertime treat.
Shockingly, this Southern delicacy hasn’t made its way around the world. Californians will be tempted to add avocado and Mid-Westerners might want to add bacon. This is not a BLT. Or a BLAT. To all you wanna be chefs out there…yes there are many variations. You can try it with fancy cheeses, oils, aiolis and herbs. Don’t give in to temptation. Simplicity is such an underrated virtue.
As I took a bite into those sweet, succulent tomatoes, and smiled at my husband, those lazy childhood days came flooding back and I had an ephiphany. It wasn’t really mom’s making it that made it better. It was simply the fact that mom was there.
Mom’s Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients:
1 very ripe heirloom tomato (peeled)
2 slices of white bread (this is important—do not use fancy bread)
good mayo
kosher salt
freshly cracked pepper
Directions:
Smear mayo on each slice of bread. Pile high with tomatoes. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Cut in half. Enjoy!
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Molly,
I agree simplicity brings out the natural ‘wonderfulness’ of the fresh tomato. I purchased several tomatoes this weekend at the farmers’ market and have been enjoying slices of the gems – as-is, in salads and tonight in a skillet sauce. Yum.
OH man! I love love love tomato sandwiches! Though I’m not sure I agree with not using fancy bread… this might be blasphemous but I love ’em on a crusty french roll.
Well said Molls. Forget about fancy breads and even whole wheat. It’s got to be white bread for the tomato sandwiches. It won’t kill you if you to eat it every once in awhile!
Amen sista….. I just got back from the beach and must I say I enjoyed every tomato sandwich I ingested!!!!! I look forward to the summer all year long just to get those home grown tomatoes. There is nothing like them!!!!!
You are so right nothing can compare to having sandy toes and a tomato sandwhich in your hand!! Yummy I need one now!