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The ultimate bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich (BLT)

31/10/2014

24 Comments

 
The Ultimate BLT by Bizzy Lizzy
Once upon a time I knew a Greek gentleman who owned a 'fish and chip shop'. Some people thought of it as more of a 'hamburger joint' or 'steak house', while others referred to it lovingly as a 'greasy spoon'. The owner was a humble and kindly fellow, who worked hard, loved to philosophise, and was proud of the food and beverages that he served in what he referred to as his 'coffee lounge'. 

When my parents were still alive, they'd visit him on a Friday and order a plate of fish and chips. The serve was large enough to feed two and they enjoyed it so much! A few years later, I began working on site as the manager of the shopping centre where this fellow had his cafe. Sometimes, I'd buy a steak from one of the nearby butcher shops, take it to my friend and he'd cook it for me, then serve it with some of his wife's home made horiatiki salata. It was good and gave me the chance to enjoy a quiet meal away from my office and the constant interruptions of what was an insanely busy job. 

My friend was particularly pleased with his egg and bacon burgers, mostly because he sourced fine quality bacon. He was right, the bacon was indeed tasty and needed to be showcased. One day as I ate my lunch and we were chatting about life and family, I suggested that he consider adding a B-L-T to his menu. 'A B-L-T, Lizzy? he questioned, with wide eyes. 'What is this B-L-T?' So I told him all about the B-L-T and explained how he should make it. To my delight, he tried it, added it to the menu and, of course, it was a runaway success. The rest is history. 

Now I don't know what ever became of this gentleman after I moved on, but I do know that he sold his coffee lounge. I hope that he has managed to retire, somewhere with a deliciously salty ocean view. Had he still owned a coffee lounge, I might have suggested that he try my latest rendition of a BLT. I think he would have liked it very much. 

Ingredients essential for my BLT: fine quality bacon, salad greens and vine ripened tomatoes

My recipe for the ultimate BLT...

I've taken the liberty of calling my recipe 'The Ultimate BLT' simply because this is no ordinary BLT. The bread is not toasted (till dry) as with 'ordinary' BLTs. Let me explain, sometimes when you eat a BLT, the bread is so dry it scratches the inside of your mouth and throat. And then you start coughing and crumbs go everywhere, and, well you know, it's just not so pleasant. Not so, with this version of BLT. The fresh bread is simply buttered and then pan grilled on one side to golden brown! See, it's all in the cooking! And then there's the addition of smoked salt and pepper, which are used to season the tomatoes once sliced. Enjoy xox


THE ULTIMATE BACON LETTUCE AND TOMATO SANDWICH (BLT) A LA LIZZY
4 slices freshly baked white bread*
2 vine ripened tomatoes
1 cup fresh mixed salad greens, rinsed, patted dry 
4 slices smoked bacon (remove the rinds if they're chewy)
freshly ground black pepper
smoked sea salt
good quality butter, at room temperature

Cook the bacon in a hot frypan until it is well browned, but not too crisp. Cut the bacon slices in half, then set them aside and keep them warm. Slice the tomatoes neatly and season them with the freshly ground black pepper and the smoked salt. 

Meanwhile, heat a cast iron grill pan or griddle to smoking point. Place the bread on the grill, buttered side down and toast until golden brown. (Note, do not toast the unbuttered side). Remove the bread and keep warm. 

Assemble the BLT sandwich. Place one slice of bread on a board, toasted side facing down. Place four pieces (two slices) of bacon onto the bread, then top with the salad greens, then the seasoned tomato. Finally, place the second slice of toasted bread on top. Using a sharp knife and sandwich cutting guard, slice the sandwich into two and serve immediately. Makes two BLT sandwiches.

Note: I do not use avocado, sauce or any form of mayonnaise or aioli on my BLT as it tastes great without. That said, feel free to add any of these if you wish. But may I please ask that you try it without before doing so. *Buy from a baker, not cheap and nasty supermarket bread...  or bake it yourself.

Chris and Cathy, this is for you. Thank you for your kindness over the years. 
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Slice the tomatoes and season to taste with freshly cracked black pepper and smoked salt

Fry your bacon

Butter the bread on one side only

Heat a skillet to smoking point

Heat a skillet to smoking and then toast the buttered side of the bread

You need a sharp knife and a sandwich cutter

Sink your teeth into my BLT... 

The ultimate BLT

Tell me dear readers, do you enjoy BLT sandwiches? Do you happen to have a favourite fish and chip shop, hamburger joint or greasy spoon in your part of the world? Thank you for taking the time to pop in and comment. 
24 Comments
Jennifer Milk and Honey link
29/10/2014 10:08:10 pm

I love the simplicity of this perfectly constructed sandwich. I don't think it gets much better than this.

Reply
Lizzy
29/10/2014 10:16:48 pm

Thanks so much, Jennifer : )

Reply
Maureen link
29/10/2014 10:28:01 pm

I love that frying pan! I hope they offer them for sale soon. What a lucky win that was for you.

I often do that with sandwiches so the lettuce doesn't get all hot and bothered but I've never used this method with a blt. Will try tomorrow!

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:19:02 am

Hi Maureen... click on the links on my side bar and you could buy yourself a pan!

Reply
Tania@My Kitchen Stories link
30/10/2014 12:29:26 am

That is one hell of a good looking sandwich. Whats the bacon it looks like shultz?

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:19:34 am

Hi Tania, I love the Schultz bacon too... and Pialligo Estate made here in Canberra... this is from our local butcher, deliciously smoky!

Reply
Liz link
30/10/2014 01:42:15 am

Oh, yeah! A winner for sure. I'm a huge fan of BLTs and will use your method of toasting the bread next time. Now I cannot wait for summer to roll around again! xo

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:19:49 am

Thank you, Liz, it's a great sambo!

Reply
John link
30/10/2014 04:51:58 pm

I rarely toast the bread for my BLTs -- prefer it soft (and usually use whole wheat). Really like your method for toasting bread on one side (and slathering it with butter first!). Will try that. I so like mayo on mine, though (and have made it without). Interesting looking sandwich cutting guard -- I've never seen one of those.

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:20:45 am

Oh John, that cutting guard was my brother's. He died many years ago and I kept a few of his treasured kitchen items... they are used in sandwich shops and school canteens here... cut the bread nice and straight!

Reply
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) link
30/10/2014 06:07:05 pm

Oh, yes please, Liz - just the sort of food I adore.

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:20:55 am

Rachel, thanks so much!

Reply
Amanda @ Gourmanda link
30/10/2014 07:25:13 pm

Love your idea of pan-frying the bread!

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:21:04 am

Amanda, thank you!

Reply
Glenda link
31/10/2014 04:45:59 am

Nice one Liz. BTW I made your self saucing pudding the other night. My friends loved it and asked for the recipe. :)

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:21:17 am

Thanks so much, Glenda!

Reply
David link
1/11/2014 07:07:29 am

This does look amazing, Liz. And I love seeing little leaves of arugula popping through. My least favorite thing about most U.S. BLTs is the poor quality lettuce used. Most often it is iceberg!

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:21:29 am

So true, David!!

Reply
Karen (Back Road Journal) link
2/11/2014 01:01:10 am

Alas, I've no more vine ripe tomatoes in the garden. Each August when I harvest the first ripe red tomato, it goes into a BLT…I can imagine how good yours was. :)

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:21:41 am

What a celebration of your tomatoes, Karen!

Reply
InTolerant Chef link
2/11/2014 02:19:25 pm

The ultimate sandwich indeed Liz- yummo!

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:21:50 am

Thank you, Bec.

Reply
Anna @ shenANNAgans link
4/11/2014 12:01:16 pm

Yep Liz... I heart the classic BLT, its a go to hangover feed for me. LOL! I don't have a fave fish & chip shop in my area at the moment, but it used to be Theo's in Kambah until they changed owners. Sigh!

Reply
Lizzy
7/11/2014 09:22:07 am

Thanks Anna : )

Reply

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