Sometimes I feel guilty eating a sandwich because of all the hoopla about eating bread. You have to be especially concerned if you’re over 50 and trying to lose weight. However, whole grains are healthy and an important component of the Mediterranean Diet. I especially love tartines because they’re small open-faced sandwiches that are light and delicious. I was inspired to re-create a recipe for Roast Chicken and Green Pesto Tartines after enjoying something similar at my local Le Pain Quotidien – a restaurant chain that originated in Belgium.
Enjoy this recipe for Roast Chicken and Green Pesto Tartines.
- 2-4 slices Artisan Bread sliced as thin or thick as you dare.
- 4 slices roasted chicken Straight off a roasted bird is best or you can use sliced chicken from a package
- mixed green salad
- whole grain dijon mustard to taste
- bottled basil pesto sauce (a few squirts)
- Cornichon pickles
- 1 Persian Cucumbers sliced
- Greek Kalamata olives pitted
- On a plate, arrange 2-4 slices of Artisan bread.
- This sandwich may call for a glass of chilled white wine or champagne before 5 PM. It's up to you. I'm sure that any true French person wouldn't think of eating this sandwich without it.
- Top with roasted chicken and Gouda cheese slices.
- Garnish the plate with Cornichon pickles, Kalamata olives, cucumber slices, and mixed green salad. (you can get creative with garnishes - radishes are good too)
- Put some of the pesto into a squirt bottle. (You may have to add a little extra virgin olive oil if it's very thick) Squirt the pesto on the top of the sandwiches.
All you can do is be more careful when you buy bread or make it from scratch. There is wonderful “consciously” baked artisan bread available to enjoy. I found this beautiful olive bread loaf at my local farmer’s market. Isn’t it beautiful?
Have you made tartines? What are your favorite toppings? Please leave a comment below.
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