Sandwich Making Concepts

Jul 3, 2024

Sandwich Making Concepts

Introduction

  • Importance: Sandwich making is more than placing ingredients between bread.
  • Goal: Provide concepts to improve your sandwiches.
  • Focus: Simple sandwiches with primary ingredients (e.g., deli meat, egg salad) between slices of bread.

Key Concepts

1. Treatment of the Bread

  • Proportion: Bread should be 25% of the sandwich for stability but not overwhelming the filling.
  • Interior Removal: For breads like bagels or baguettes, consider removing some interior for a better filling-to-bread ratio and a trough.
  • Toasting/Griddling:
    • Adds texture and prevents sogginess by drying out the surface.
    • Use oil/butter for griddling to add crispness and richness.
    • Toast both sides for a sturdier sandwich.

2. Contrasting Flavors and Textures

  • Seasoning: Use salt, vinegar, and other seasonings effectively.
  • Texture Contrast: Balance chewy, tender, crisp, and juicy elements.
  • Flavor Balance: Mix savory, pungent, sweet, and spicy flavors.
  • Examples:
    • Raw Ingredients: Sprinkle salt or acid, use pickles or capers.
    • Align ingredients to balance the bread and main ingredient's qualities.

3. Assembly

  • Goal: Ensure the sandwich holds together when eaten.
  • Bread Prep: Toast to increase absorption capacity, drain wet ingredients; consider waterproofing with oil, cheese, or butter.
  • Layer Strategy: Use grippy items (e.g., bacon, lettuce) to contain slippery ingredients (e.g., tomatoes, pickles).
  • Pressing: Adds cohesion and prevents slipping.
  • Wrapping: Use plastic or parchment to hold the sandwich together.
  • Ingredient Ideas: Keep items like pickled avocado, Dijonnaise, sumac onions ready for enhancing sandwiches.

Examples and Recipes

Andrew Janjigian's Pan Bagnat

  • Ingredients: Baguette (toasted), olive oil, chopped salad, oil-packed tuna, tomato slices, hard-cooked egg.
  • Process: Remove interior from baguette, add ingredients in layers, wrap and press for flavor integration.
  • Outcome: Everything holds together, flavors meld well.

Turkey and Toasted Ciabatta with Kimchi and Avocado

  • Bread is reduced, toasting adds crunch.
  • Avocado: Adds richness, salt enhances flavor, placed for grip.
  • Turkey: Provides tenderness.
  • Kimchi: Adds spice, juice. If juicy, blot first.

Egg Salad and Rye

  • Egg salad: Richness.
  • Pickles/Radishes: Adds crunch and punchiness.
  • Variation: Different bites keep the sandwich interesting.

Easy-to-Make Items for Sandwiches

  • Pickled Avocado: Firm avocados brined in vinegar, water, sugar, salt; lasts 2 days.
  • Dijonnaise: Equal parts Dijon mustard and mayo mixed together.
  • Sumac Onions: Red onion slices with red wine vinegar, sumac, salt; rests 20 minutes.

Conclusion

  • Preparation: Think through flavors and textures in your sandwich.
  • Use pantry items to make sandwiches exciting.
  • Proper assembly ensures sandwiches hold together.
  • Tip: Share your sandwich cutting preferences and check cooksillustrated.com for more tips.