- 4
Ingredients
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced thin
- salt
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 loaf ciabatta
- 1 1/3 c. packed fresh basil
- 1/3 c. mayonnaise
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/8 tsp. hot sauce
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp, drained, and crumbled
- 4 romaine lettuce leaves
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
Preparation
Step 1
Place tomato slices on several layers of paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 15 minutes, then press with additional paper towels to extract excess moisture. Mix oil and vinegar together in small bowl. Slice bread in half horizontally and use fingers to remove and discard all but 1/2 inch of interior crumb. Puree 1 cup basil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, hot sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in blender or food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides several times. Spread basil mayonnaise on both cut sides of bread. Sprinkle bacon on bottom half of bread and place romaine on top of bacon. Shingle tomatoes and mozzarella alternately over romaine and drizzle with oil and vinegar mixture. Place remaining 1/3 cup basil in single layer on top and replace top half of bread. Cut crosswise into 2 inch sandwiches. Serve.