The easiest way to improve sandwiches at home is to start using better ingredients. Buying staple sandwich ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes from a local farmers market can carry sandwiches far beyond standard Subway selections, but don’t be afraid to add even more vegetables as toppings. Avocado, grilled onions and bean sprouts improve both taste and texture in any sandwich. Once you’re comfortable varying toppings, try keeping it seasonal for even better results. For example, ease off of tomatoes once summer ends, and start using roasted sweet potato or mushrooms in the fall.
If there isn’t room in your budget to buy fresh ingredients, there are still many other ways to elevate sandwiches. When preparing sandwiches at home, try grilling it to enhance flavors and make it a more comforting meal. Recently a friend suggested I use mayonnaise instead of butter in the grilling process, and I have to admit, it is a game-changer. Spread mayo on the exposed sides of the bread (so the mayo sides touch the pan) after building the sandwich, grill it on medium-low in a pan. It may sound like some sort of Paula Deen-inspired recipe, but it works. This method gives the bread a nice crispy layer without burning or hardening the inside parts of the bread.
Speaking of mayo, another often overlooked aspect of sandwich-making is sauces. In other words, it may be time to step away from the typical yellow mustard. Walking down the condiment aisle of the grocery store offers a wide range of new sauces. Companies have started making more flavorful options to boost sales like sriracha mayo and curry ketchup. Take advantage of the trend and pick sauces that compliment the other ingredients in your sandwich. As always, homemade is better, so trying recipes for pesto and aioli can give you healthier batches of popular spreads.
