A simple sandwich


In the world of food the word 'simple' is used a lot and in quite different ways. These days, when life is hectic for so many people, to say that a recipe is 'simple' is a sure-fire way to sell it. Often a simple recipe implies that it will only use a few ingredients (hence cooking shows and books aptly name 'four' or 'five ingredients') and that assembly is straightforward and quick (30 minutes or less). My interpretation of simplicity might be a little different: for me, it has to do with using fresh ingredients - foods that haven't been processed too much already. Saying that a dish is simple doesn't necessarily imply a lack: the combination of a few simple ingredients can create something quite spectacular.
 
My 'simple sandwich' consists of a number of tasty items - bread, cheese, tomatoes, fresh greens - and a few little added touches like orange marmalade, garlic, dried rosemary and freshly cracked pepper. What is not simple about this sandwich is the flavour - tangy, salty, sweet and a little spicy, almost umami-ish. The textures of the soft, slightly chewy melted cheese with the crusty bread go perfectly against the smooth sweetness of the marmalade and the little kick of black pepper. So easy to assemble - no pan involved. All you need is a toaster and dare I say microwave (you won't often find me encouraging the use of microwaves but hey - thirty seconds to food heaven is so worth it).
This sandwich has become a favourite of mine - who knew simple could taste so good!

grilled cheese and tomato sandwich with marmalade and black pepper
makes one delicious lunch

two slices fresh wholegrain bread
1 garlic clove (keep whole)
3 slices tomato
a few slices of your favourite aged cheddar cheese (aged cheese has
the tangy flavour you need)
2 tsp orange marmalade
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp freshly cracked pepper

Place slices in toaster to toast. Take out and while still warm rub the garlic clove over each slice (gently so that you just get a hint of garlic). Next place slices of tomato and cheese on pieces of toast.  Drizzle with marmalade and sprinkle with dried rosemary and fresh pepper. Place pieces of toast together and microwave for 30 seconds or until just melted. If you don't have a microwave or don't use one - warm up the sandwich in a hot oven for a few minutes or until cheese is melted.  Enjoy!

17 comments:

  1. simple is indeed wonderful- less & fresh ingredients,less time and a hearty dish on the platter- just wiow ! yum sandwich-just the way i like

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  2. What an intriguing combination of ingredients and textures! And as always, clean and spectacular photos. This is the kind of sandwich I'll throw together in summer with, like you say, fresh and unfussy ingredients. So then, I definitely relate to your definition of "simple", though I admit I might have committed the crime of over-using the word on my own blog. I must watch myself... and make this sandwich.

    Also, thanks for your sweet comments on squirrel bread!

    Cheers,

    *Heather*

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  3. Wow - this looks amazing! I don't know how you did it, but you managed to make a "simple" sandwich look amazing!!

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  4. I am in total agreement with your definition of simple and I try to make simple food as often as I can. What spectacular photos. For simple food, that looks pretty good!

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  5. It's funny...I always made fun of my Dad (it's his b-day today) because he had cheese and jam together...now I kinda like it! This is fun! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. A microwaved toasted cheese sandwich? Wow. It sounds so kooky that I just have to try it out.
    Completely agree about keeping it simple - how else do you get to taste the true flavours?

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  7. That is one sandwich I can have everyday....Your food styling is beautiful...:)

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  8. I love the idea of the marmalade with the cheese, never tried that before! Sometimes only a simple sandwich will do. It looks beautiful!

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  9. my favorite combo - salty and sweet! thanks for sharing.

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  10. Yum...the marmalade is a wonderful touch.

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  11. Now that is a sandwich that I will gladly make even if it's the most complicated recipes of all! :) It looks fantastic!

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  12. You have such a lovely blog. The food looks fantastic the pictures are impeccable.

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  13. Thanks for the lovely comments friends - enjoy lunch!

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  14. What a delightful sandwich...this is my idea of simple as well, just a few fresh and flavorful things :)

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  15. I love aged cheddar cheese on the sandwich! no other cheese give the same kidn of intensitive flavour. i love it on subway too

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  16. Wow for a second there I thought the orange was carrot! lol. Looks like really yummy tasting cheese. Fresh sandwiches are the best.

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