This summer squash sandwich with pecorino butter recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. It's the perfect meal for a relaxed lunch or a light dinner. The zucchini relish adds a fresh element, while the pecorino butter gives each bite a rich, savory twist. The crispness of the frisée and the sweetness of the tomatoes balance everything out beautifully.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, but keep an eye out for gaeta olives and frisée. Gaeta olives, small black olives from Italy, have a distinctive sweet and tart flavor that greatly enhances the relish. Frisée, a variety of endive, has curly, pale-green leaves and a slightly bitter flavor that contrasts nicely with the other sandwich components.
Ingredients for Summer Squash Sandwich with Pecorino Butter
Pecorino cheese: A hard, salty Italian cheese, made out of sheep's milk. Known for its robust flavor, it's an ideal choice for our butter.
Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for the pecorino.
Semolina bread: A high-protein bread with a dense texture and slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for holding our sandwich contents.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for its rich flavor in the zucchini relish.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a freshness and tang to the relish.
Garlic: Brings a pungent, spicy flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Gaeta olives: Gives a sweet and tart flavor to the relish.
Basil: Its aromatic nature adds depth to the relish.
Zucchini: The star of the relish, chopped finely for a delicate texture.
Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, complementing the other sandwich ingredients.
Frisée: This slightly bitter green adds a fresh and crisp element to the sandwich.
One reader, Ike Stevenson says:
This summer squash sandwich with pecorino butter recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The pecorino butter adds a rich and savory element, while the fresh summer squash and zesty lemon juice create a burst of freshness. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and delicious sandwich option.
Techniques for Making Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter
Preheat the oven to 400°F: This step is essential to ensure that the oven reaches the correct temperature before baking the sandwiches.
Stir the cheese into the butter and spread on one side of each slice of bread: This involves combining the pecorino cheese and butter, then spreading the mixture onto one side of each slice of bread to create a flavorful base for the sandwiches.
Combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic, olives, and basil in a medium bowl: This step involves mixing these ingredients together to create a zesty and aromatic dressing for the sandwich.
Pulse the zucchini in a food processor until finely chopped: This technique involves using a food processor to finely chop the zucchini, which adds texture and flavor to the zucchini relish.
Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper: This step involves seasoning the tomatoes to enhance their flavor before assembling the sandwiches.
Arrange the bread on 2 large baking sheets, buttered side up, and bake for 4 minutes, or until lightly toasted: This technique ensures that the bread slices are toasted to perfection before assembling the sandwiches.
Top each slice of bread with frisée and the zucchini relish: This step involves layering the frisée and zucchini relish on the bread slices to add freshness and flavor to the sandwiches.
Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up, and top with 2 slices of tomato and the remaining bread, buttered side down: This technique involves assembling the sandwiches by layering the ingredients between the bread slices to create a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Cut the sandwiches in half with a serrated knife and serve: This step involves cutting the assembled sandwiches in half before serving, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Wine recommendation: The wine recommendation suggests pairing the sandwiches with a specific type of wine to enhance the dining experience.
How To Make Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter
These summer squash sandwiches are packed with crisp veggies, and smothered in a rich pecorino butter on loaves, for a light and delectable meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cuppecorino cheese,freshly grated
- 4ozunsalted butter,(1 stick)
- 1round loaf of semolina,(1 lb), or oval, or Italian bread
- 1½tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1tbsplemon juice,fresh
- 1garlic clove
- ¼cupgaeta olives
- ¼cupbasil,chopped
- 1medium zucchini
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3medium tomatoes
- ½small frisée head
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a bowl, stir the cheese into the butter and spread on one side of each slice of bread.
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In a medium bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, garlic, olives and basil.
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In a food processor, pulse the zucchini until finely chopped. Fold the zucchini into the oil and lemon juice mixture and season with salt and pepper.
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Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
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Arrange the bread on 2 large baking sheets, buttered side up.
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Bake the bread for 4 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
To Assemble:
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Set 6 slices of toast, buttered side up on a work surface. Top each with the frisée and the zucchini relish.
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Cover with another slice of bread, buttered side up and top with 2 slices of tomato and the remaining bread, buttered side down.
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Cut the sandwiches in half with a serrated knife and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 232.71kcal
- Fat: 21.70g
- Saturated Fat: 11.60g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.19g
- Carbohydrates: 7.12g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 2.88g
- Protein: 4.16g
- Cholesterol: 48.26mg
- Sodium: 330.82mg
- Calcium: 113.66mg
- Potassium: 279.61mg
- Iron: 0.83mg
- Vitamin A: 180.01µg
- Vitamin C: 16.55mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter
When preparing the zucchini relish, it's important to not over-process the zucchini in the food processor. You want it to be finely chopped, but not pureed. This will give your sandwich a nice texture and prevent it from becoming too soggy. Also, when toasting the bread, keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. The goal is to achieve a light, golden brown color that provides a nice crunch but still maintains some softness for a pleasant eating experience.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pecorino Butter Sandwiches
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: Utilize your time efficiently by working on multiple components of the recipe simultaneously.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for tools and ingredients.
Simplify: Opt for simple and straightforward cooking techniques to save time without compromising flavor.
Use ready-made: Incorporate store-bought items like pre-made dough or pre-cut vegetables to cut down on prep time.
Plan ahead: Create a meal plan for the week to streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter Recipe
pecorino cheese - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to pecorino and can be used as a substitute in the butter for a similar taste profile.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter and can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter to add a rich, nutty flavor to the recipe.
semolina - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta bread has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for semolina to hold the sandwich ingredients together.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the same tangy acidity as lemon juice and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
gaeta olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a similar briny and rich flavor to Gaeta olives and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to basil and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and mild flavor to zucchini and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
tomatoes - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can provide a similar juicy and sweet flavor to tomatoes and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
frisée - Substitute with arugula: Arugula can provide a peppery and slightly bitter flavor similar to frisée and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
Plating Ideas for Summer Squash Sandwiches
Elevate the bread: Use a high-quality round or oval loaf of semolina bread to provide a rustic and artisanal touch to the presentation. Cut the bread into uniform slices to ensure a visually appealing and professional look.
Create a vibrant zucchini relish: The zucchini relish should be finely chopped and mixed with a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and Gaeta olives. The vibrant colors and textures of the relish will add a pop of freshness to the dish.
Layer with precision: Assemble the sandwiches with attention to detail, ensuring that each layer is meticulously arranged. Start with a base of frisée, followed by the zucchini relish, and then the sliced tomatoes. This precise layering will showcase the ingredients and create a visually stunning presentation.
Cut with finesse: When cutting the sandwiches in half, use a sharp serrated knife to achieve clean and precise cuts. The sandwiches should be presented with the cut sides facing outward to display the layers and fillings.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, garnish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. The vibrant green color and aromatic fragrance of the basil will add a final touch of elegance to the presentation.
Consider the wine pairing: For an elevated dining experience, recommend a specific wine pairing that complements the flavors of the dish. Suggest a Vermentino di Gallura to accompany the sandwich, highlighting the regional flavors and enhancing the overall culinary experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pecorino Butter Sandwiches
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to finely chop the zucchini for the recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and tossing the zucchini with the oil, lemon juice, garlic, olives, and basil to create the zucchini relish.
- Baking sheets: Baking sheets are flat metal pans used for baking in the oven. They are necessary for toasting the bread slices in the recipe.
- Serrated knife: A serrated knife has a jagged edge that is ideal for slicing through bread without crushing it, making it perfect for cutting the sandwiches in half before serving.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Summer Squash Sandwiches
- To store leftover summer squash sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2-3 days.
- If you want to freeze the sandwiches, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and label with the date. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen sandwiches, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the bread is crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwiches in a toaster oven or on a panini press for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.
- If you have leftover pecorino butter, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It's great spread on toast or used as a flavoring for other dishes like pasta or vegetables.
- The zucchini relish can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It makes a great topping for grilled meats or sandwiches, or can be served as a side dish on its own.
How To Reheat Leftover Summer Squash Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover summer squash sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the filling is heated through. This method will help restore the crispiness of the semolina bread and melt the pecorino butter for a delicious, gooey texture.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwiches on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the filling is warm. Keep an eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning.
For a stovetop option, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush the exterior of the sandwiches with a little olive oil or butter to promote crispiness. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the sandwiches quickly and efficiently. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the filling is hot. This method will give you a crispy exterior without the need for additional oil.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before serving, as the filling can be quite hot. If you find that the zucchini relish or tomatoes have made the bread slightly soggy, you can open the sandwich and place the vegetable components on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before reheating.
Interesting Trivia About Summer Squash Sandwiches
Pecorino cheese is a type of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, and it is often used in traditional Sardinian cuisine. It has a rich, tangy flavor that adds a delicious depth to the butter spread in this recipe.
Budget-Friendly: Making Pecorino Butter Sandwiches at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this summer squash sandwiches with pecorino butter recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While pecorino cheese and gaeta olives can be pricey, the recipe's simplicity and use of seasonal zucchini and tomatoes can balance the cost. With a rating of 8/10 for taste and creativity, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a moderately cost-effective option for a delightful summer meal.
Are Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter Healthy?
This summer squash sandwich recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High saturated fat content from the butter and pecorino cheese
- Refined carbohydrates from the semolina bread
- Limited vegetable variety, with only zucchini, tomatoes, and frisée
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Olive oil, which provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Garlic and basil, which offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Zucchini and tomatoes, which are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Choose a whole grain bread instead of semolina to increase fiber intake
- Add more vegetables to the sandwich, such as roasted bell peppers, spinach, or arugula
- Include a lean protein source, like grilled chicken or turkey, to make the sandwich more satiating
- Use a yogurt-based spread instead of butter to reduce saturated fat content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
By making these adjustments, you can transform this summer squash sandwich into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter
The summer squash sandwiches with pecorino butter recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The pecorino butter adds a rich and savory element to the dish, while the zucchini relish provides a fresh and vibrant contrast. The use of semolina bread adds a hearty and rustic touch, and the addition of frisée and tomatoes brings a light and refreshing quality to the sandwiches. The wine recommendation of a vermentino is a thoughtful pairing that complements the flavors of the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of ingredients and is perfect for a summer meal.
Enhance Your Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Summer Squash Sandwiches
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Summer Squash Sandwiches
Why trust this Summer Squash Sandwiches with Pecorino Butter Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its fusion of pecorino cheese and butter spread, creating a rich and savory flavor. The use of semolina loaf adds a delightful texture, while the zucchini relish and seasoned tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. The incorporation of gaeta olives and basil infuses a Mediterranean essence, elevating the overall taste. The meticulous instructions ensure a seamless cooking process, promising a delectable outcome. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and the expertise behind this recipe for an exceptional dining experience.
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