English sandwiches: 4 recipes to try: a culinary journey between tradition and taste
A timeless classic
English sandwiches are truly a staple of British cuisine, appreciated worldwide for their simplicity and goodness. They are a versatile dish that can be prepared in a thousand different ways, with endless variations of ingredients and flavors.
A dive into history
The history of the sandwich dates back to the 18th century when John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, asked his cook to prepare a dish that could be eaten with one hand, without having to abandon his card game. Since then, the sandwich has become a widespread meal throughout the UK and beyond its borders.
A burst of flavors
Their distinctiveness lies in the rich and flavorful filling, composed of multiple ingredients that combine in a unique harmony of flavors. The base is typically made of toasted white bread, to which slices of roasted meat, such as turkey or chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and a delicate sauce like mayonnaise or mustard, are added.
A World of Variety: Customizing Your English Sandwich
The beauty of English sandwiches lies in their versatility. Beyond the classic recipe, there are endless variations that allow you to personalize the sandwich according to your tastes.
Different types of bread can be used, such as whole wheat or multigrain, for a healthier and more nutritious alternative. The meat can be replaced with smoked salmon, roast beef, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. As for the sauce, the choice is really wide: pesto, guacamole, yogurt sauce, or chutney, to add a touch of spiciness or exoticism.
English sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch, informal dinner, or tasty brunch. They can be prepared in advance and enjoyed comfortably at home or taken with you to the office or on a day trip.
Moreover, their attractive presentation makes them ideal for a buffet or aperitif.
With a pinch of creativity and imagination, it’s possible to create unique and original English sandwiches, capable of surprising and delighting even the most demanding palates.
Below are other cold appetizers:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 10 Pieces
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: English
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 219.49 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 9.70 (g) of which sugars 1.75 (g)
- Proteins 8.89 (g)
- Fat 16.14 (g) of which saturated 8.67 (g)of which unsaturated 5.71 (g)
- Fibers 0.52 (g)
- Sodium 374.17 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 68 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for English sandwiches: 4 recipes to try
- 4 slices white sandwich bread
- 3.5 oz canned tuna in oil
- 10 leaves mint
- 3.5 oz butter (soft)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (or white bread)
- 2 cucumbers
- 3.5 oz green butter
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (or white bread)
- 2 eggs
- 1 oz mayonnaise
- 1 g poppy seeds
- 1.75 oz cream cheese
- 1 lemon (untreated, zest only)
- to taste dill (fresh)
- 4 slices white sandwich bread (or multigrain bread)
- 3.5 oz smoked salmon
Tools
- Round Cutter Ibili Clasica – Cake Ring Mold, Diameter 2.36 in, Height 1.77 in, 1 Piece
- Bowls Ceramic Bowl – Small Porcelain 300 ml – Set of 6 Colorful Bowls for Kitchen | Ice Cream | Soup | Cereal | Rice | Yogurt – Microwave and Dishwasher Safe
Steps
Pour the drained tuna into a small bowl and add the mayonnaise, chopped mint leaves, salt, pepper, and a few drops of lemon juice. Mix with a fork and let it rest in the refrigerator.
With a 6 cm round cutter, cut disks from the slices of bread. Spread the soft butter on the base of the disks and layer half of them with the tuna cream. Cover with the other bread disk and a slice of cherry tomato
Prepare the slices of bread, removing the crust and cutting it into rectangles. Peel the cucumber and use a mandoline to slice it into thin rounds. Place the slices on a plate with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a strainer so that they release their water for about 30 minutes. Then gently squeeze the cucumber slices and place them in a bowl, seasoning with the juice of half a lemon, a drop of olive oil, salt, and pepper
We prepare the green butter. In a bowl, place the soft butter, finely chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix to blend well, until you get a soft cream. Now spread a thick layer of green butter on one half of the bread, add the cucumber slices, and cover with the remaining bread slices
Prepare the bread by cutting squares of about 6 cm with the round cutter. Hard boil the eggs, remove the shell, and once ready, chop them coarsely. Place them in a bowl with mayonnaise and poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt, mixing until you obtain a creamy mixture.
Spread the butter on one half of the bread squares, then add a thick layer of the prepared mixture and cover with the remaining bread slices
Pour the cream cheese into a bowl, add the grated lemon zest and finely chopped dill, mix and set aside
Trim the edges of the bread slices, spread 2 slices with plenty of cheese cream, lay 2 slices of salmon on each. Cover with the remaining bread slices and cut diagonally to form a triangle. Decorate with a sprig of dill
Tips and variations for making English sandwiches: 4 recipes to try
There are endless variations of English sandwiches. Instead of cucumbers, you can use tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, or any other ingredient you like. For a bolder taste, you can add crispy bacon or cheddar cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, you can use tofu, tempeh, or seitan. English sandwiches are perfect to accompany with a hot tea or a cold drink.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How are English sandwiches: 4 recipes to try served?
They are often served during High Tea, which takes place in the mid-afternoon, and are presented on beautiful tiered trays, composed as follows: starting from the bottom plate, savory sandwiches.
On the second level, scones with red jam
On the top, the sweets: small cakes and spoon desserts
