This is total Bev food, in case you’re wondering.
Really anything picnicky, Frenchy, simple, fresh. With wine. It’s this. Even if it’s not outside, create a picnic in your heart. (<–that would land better in person, I feel.)
There are two main keys to this lil’ dinner. First, it’s a springboard for whatever sandwich you love. I think traditionally the French subs are ham and butter only? Maybe some cheese? Really though, it’s what you love. The KEY is that baguette. You don’t want a hard baguette that you find in most grocery stores. The kind that obliterates the roof of your mouth half a bite in. Non! You want it freshly baked, soft, squishy. The kind where you press down on it and the whole city of Paris escapes in a delicate whisper.
But I’m not dramatic about it or anything.
The basil mayo! This is the other key. Let me show you.
Mayo + garlic + basil leaves + a little bit of oil + pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. That’s it, mon chéri.
Just have this basil mayo on hand for really any sub or sandwich you make this summer. It’s a solid life decision.
The baguette gets barely, and I mean barely toasted. Just enough to add warmth and the slightest bit of depth. On goes the basil mayo, turkey, sliced tomato, a fresh basil leaf and fresh mozzarella. A crack of black pepper and maybe a drizzle of your best finishing oil. Absolutely divine. No words. No notes.
It is as simple as simple gets and as flavorful as the world can be.
And hey, sub in ham! Add bacon! Switch in a different green! This here is dinner when you simply cannot make dinner. Wrap it in parchment for a lovely picnic or eat it over the sink. I don’t make the rules.
I buy one baguette and slice it in half. Make the subs, then slice that in half again. So you’ll have four small subs out of one baguette. Pair it with a potato salad and fresh fruit, a crisp white wine and you have a proper life situation here. Can’t go wrong.
Please make the rest of your summer about this or I will have a complete fit.
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Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, cut in half, and then lengthwise (very lightly toasted)
- 3 heaping Tbs. Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 large basil leaves, roughly torn or sliced
- 1 Tbs. Extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices turkey or ham
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- A log of sliced mozzarella (use as little or as much as you want!)
- Extra basil leaves
- Coarse sea salt and black pepper
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a small food processor, combine the mayo, garlic, basil, oil and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Spread the basil mayo on the bottom halves of the baguette, then layer with turkey, tomato, basil and mozzarella. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the cheese and drizzle the tiniest bit of olive oil. Place the top baguette half on top, cut in half once more and dive in!
- Makes four small sandwiches.
Maintenant!
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