Bacon, Lettuce and Plum Sandwiches

Recipe Photo: Bacon, Lettuce and Plum Sandwiches
Author
admin
Source of Recipe
New York Times - August 19, 2009
Serves/Makes/Yields
2
Recipe Description

Plum tomatoes made me think of plums, and I briefly imagined making a B.L.P. But had it not been for the tomato shortage, I might never have tried it. Before I risked my lunch I sought expert advice. I knew that at Anthos Upstairs, Michael Psilakis substituted watermelon for tomatoes in a shrimp dish. So I asked him what else a tomato lover might do to compensate. “Stone fruit,” he said.

“Imagine taking the mozzarella in a Caprese salad and pairing it with peaches instead of tomatoes. Wouldn’t it be amazing?” The only thing, he added, was to balance the acidity “we use a little Champagne vinegar to mimic that sweet-sour flavor of a vine-ripened tomato.”

I took that advice, sprinkling my plums with lemon juice before piling them between slices of freshly toasted bread along with bacon, lettuce and a garlicky herb mayonnaise. Then I took a bite. It was as delectable and juicy as a B.L.T., but sweeter and brighter tasting, with the brawny flavor of good, crisp bacon melding with the honeyed fruit.

 

Ingredients

1 garlic clove, minced 
1 pinch kosher salt 
2 tablespoons mayonnaise 
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 
1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped 
Lemon juice, to taste 
4 slices white bread 
6 small or 3 large plums, pitted and sliced 
6 bacon slices, cooked 
Lettuce leaves. 

 

Preparation

1. On cutting board using the flat of a knife, or with a mortar and pestle, mash together garlic with salt until a paste forms. In a small bowl, mix garlic paste with mayonnaise. Stir in the basil, thyme, sage and lemon juice.

2. Toast bread, then spread all 4 slices with herb mayonnaise. Sprinkle plums with lemon juice, to taste, and divide between 2 slices of bread. Cover plums with bacon, breaking bacon slices in half if necessary. Top with lettuce leaves and remaining bread. Cut in half and serve immediately. 

 

Type of Meal