Tomato Basil Delight Sandwiches
Experience the fresh flavors of summer with these Tomato Basil Delight Sandwiches, a perfect open-faced treat that combines the lusciousness of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic hints of basil and the richness of Parmesan. This delightful recipe, inspired by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley from Vegetarian Times, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing option for lunch or an afternoon snack. Enjoy the creamy texture of Greek yogurt blended with garden-fresh basil as a savory spread atop toasted English muffins, making it a vibrant and satisfying addition to your meal rotation.
6
Servings
72
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh basil leaves
1.5 cups (packed)
Parmesan cheese
1.5 tablespoons (grated)
Olive oil
1.5 tablespoons
Garlic clove
1 (minced (about 1 tsp))
Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons
English muffins
4 (split)
Large ripe tomatoes
1 (thinly sliced)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Add the Greek yogurt to the mixture and process again until the spread is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
3
Preheat your broiler to high heat. Arrange the split English muffins on a baking sheet, cut side up.
4
Broil the muffins for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden brown.
5
Carefully remove the muffins from the oven and spread a generous layer of the basil mixture on each half.
6
Top each muffin half with slices of the ripe tomato, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
7
Return the sandwiches to the broiler and heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy your Tomato Basil Delights!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
9g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tomato Basil Delight Sandwiches?
They are fresh, open-faced sandwiches made with a creamy basil and Greek yogurt spread, ripe tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese on toasted English muffins.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and dairy products.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 72 calories.
What is the base of the basil spread?
The spread is made from fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, and nonfat plain Greek yogurt.
What type of bread is used?
This recipe specifically calls for English muffins, which are split and toasted.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Can I use a food processor to make the spread?
Yes, a food processor or blender is recommended to blend the basil, cheese, oil, and garlic until smooth.
What are the nutritional values for fat and carbs?
Each serving contains 4g of fat and 9g of carbohydrates.
How long do I broil the muffins?
The muffins should be broiled for 1 to 2 minutes to toast, and then for another 1 to 2 minutes once the toppings are added.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
While Greek yogurt is recommended for its creamy texture, you can use regular plain yogurt, though the spread may be slightly thinner.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Large, ripe tomatoes are best for this recipe to ensure maximum flavor and juiciness.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley from Vegetarian Times.
Is there any protein in this sandwich?
Yes, each serving provides 2g of protein.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
The recipe already includes one minced garlic clove to provide an aromatic kick to the spread.
Should the English muffins be toasted before adding the spread?
Yes, you should broil the split muffins for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown before applying the basil mixture.
Is this a summer dish?
Yes, it is described as a perfect summer dish because it highlights fresh basil and ripe tomatoes.
Can I store the basil spread in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the basil and Greek yogurt spread ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to assemble.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
With only 72 calories and fresh ingredients like basil and tomatoes, it is a nourishing choice for lunch or a snack.
What is the texture of the basil spread?
Once processed with the Greek yogurt, the spread becomes smooth and creamy.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Parmesan is used for richness, you could experiment with other hard cheeses, though it may change the flavor profile.
Is there olive oil in the recipe?
Yes, 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil are blended into the basil mixture.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be thinly sliced so they sit easily on the English muffin halves.
Can I use a toaster oven?
Yes, a toaster oven with a broiler setting will work perfectly for toasting the muffins and heating the sandwiches.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick snack and an easy recipe, requiring only a few minutes of blending and broiling.
How much basil is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of packed fresh basil leaves.
Do I need to season the tomatoes?
Yes, it is recommended to season the tomato slices with a pinch of salt and pepper before the final broil.
Can I serve this cold?
While the recipe suggests serving them immediately after the final broil for warmth, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Is this an open-faced sandwich?
Yes, the toppings are placed on the open halves of the English muffins and not covered with another slice of bread.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It features Mediterranean flavors, combining aromatic basil, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the specific flavor and texture of the spread.