Texas Tomato Tea Sandwiches
Delicate tomato tea sandwiches feature thinly sliced Texas tomatoes, fresh basil, and buttered bread, offering a light, flavorful snack perfect for brunch or afternoon tea gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes thinly and lightly salt them.
- Place the tomato slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and let drain for several hours.
- Spread unsalted butter on the slices of thin bread.
- Arrange drained tomato slices on the buttered bread slices.
- Add basil leaves and Italian parsley on top of the tomatoes.
- Season with French sea salt and white pepper to taste.
- Assemble the slices into sandwiches, cut as desired, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy Texas-grown tomatoes. If basil or parsley is unavailable, consider using arugula or spinach for a different green element. To save time, pre-slice the tomatoes and allow them to drain overnight in the refrigerator. If you want a bit of crunch, add thin slices of cucumber or radishes to the sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
These Texas Tomato Tea Sandwiches make a delightful addition to a summer picnic or tea party. They pair beautifully with chilled beverages like iced tea or lemonade. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad or a bowl of soup. They also complement well with dishes from American recipes or vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, they are best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, if desired, you can place the sandwiches in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes to warm slightly, although they are typically served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Tomato Tea Sandwiches contains roughly 1150 calories, with 17g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), iron (112% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2040mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of bread for these sandwiches?
Absolutely! While very thinly sliced white or whole grain bread is traditional, you can experiment with sourdough, rye, or even gluten-free options to suit your taste or dietary needs.
How can I make these sandwiches more filling?
To add more substance, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or goat cheese spread on the bread before layering the tomatoes and herbs. This will not only enhance the flavor but also make the sandwiches more satisfying.
Is there a way to make the sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Slice and drain the tomatoes, and prepare the butter and herbs. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to maintain the freshness of the bread and the tomatoes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).