Keeping It Simple: Cucumber Ricotta Sandwiches
PUBLISHED ON: 08.31.2022
We Americans complicate our food. We are busy and stressed. We stare into our pantries endlessly. We overwhelm ourselves in the kitchen with good intentions, and then throw in the towel, and head to a restaurant or worse, we make our way through a drive thru to pick up a tasteless bag of sodium, fat, and empty calories. We can do better.
Everyday food should not be complicated. A few fresh ingredients, and you can have a satisfying meal. This recipe is proof.
A simple recipe that will feel like part sandwich-part salad. All you need is good crusty bread, fresh cucumbers, a handful of herbs, and good ricotta cheese (forget the part skim-buy the whole milk). If you are feeling like you have a few more minutes, make your own ricotta. Ricotta cheese is super easy and you will never go back to store bought at least not willingly.
These cucumber ricotta sandwiches will hit the spot. Add a green salad, maybe a bowl of olives, and oh yes, a bottle of dry Riesling from upstate New York, and you will enjoy a light, satisfying late summer meal.
Note: This also makes a beautiful appetizer.
Cucumber Ricotta Sandwiches
Adapted from New York Times
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
6 thinly sliced Persian cucumbers (about 2-1/2 cups)
Salt and black pepper
1 Serrano Chile, very thinly sliced(or minced, with seeds, if preferred)
12 large basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
1 tablespoon chopped dill
2 teaspoons chopped tarragon
2 teaspoons chopped mint leaves
1 teaspoon thinly sliced chives
1 to 2 cups soft, rich ricotta (drained if necessary)
2 ciabatta rolls, split lengthwise, lightly toasted(or a baguette split lengthwise)
Cilantro sprigs for garnish
Directions:
Put cucumbers in a bowl and season with salt and pepper, then toss. Add Chile, basil, lime juice, dill, tarragon, mint and chives. Toss well.
Spread ricotta generously over each ciabatta toast. Spoon cucumber mixture over ricotta on each toast. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.
Michelle Wilson
This looks and sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it.
Jordan
Busy and stressed is right! Love your writing, like always!
angiesrecipes
Simple, but definitely very delicious with the quality ingredients.
Larry
Looks cool and refreshing Velva and I must try making ricotta next time we need it.
Ann Coleman
That sounds very good, especially for summer. Light and refreshing!
Thanks for sharing the recipe,
sherry M
you’re right. something light and refreshing will be tasty and keep us living longer 🙂 this looks very good.
Alfreda James
This looks so pretty and refreshing. Lover of cucumbers!!! YUMMO
David @ Spiced
You couldn’t have said it better, Velva! We do overcomplicate recipes here. Of course, sometimes I don’t mind that as it’s fun to hit the kitchen for a big recipe. But other times we just need something easy and simple (and not fast food!). These ricotta toasts look amazing! They would indeed be a good summer appetizer, or a light meal with a glass of wine. Yum!
Chef Mimi
Love this! It’s like a hefty picnic tea sandwich! I like that you used ricotta.
Eva Taylor
Fortunately, my European upbringing never included fast food so it’s never been an option for me. I have only ever had one McDonalds burger once when I was nine when my uncle was visiting from communist Hungary and I was ill afterward. I find making a meal plan every week helps avoid the darkness of what to make for meals. But this gorgeous open-faced sandwich would be welcome. The cucumbers would definitely keep summer fresh in my mind as the weather turns chillier. Home made ricotta is amazing, and so easy.
Vi
Looks very delicious and simple to cook. Definitely will try it.
David Scott Allen
So true, Velva — I’m a true believer that the best foods are the simplest. And your sandwiches are the perfect example. Thanks for this!
Pam
So light, refreshing, and delicious. YUM!
John / Kitchen Riffs
What a terrific dish! We actually eat a fair number of sandwiches for dinner, and this is just our taste — very nice. Thanks!
Liz
So light and refreshing. This sounds perfect for lunch on a warm September day!
Balvinder
That’s the most refreshing way to eat cucumber sandwich!
Tandy | Lavender and Lime
This to me is perfect! and of course, with homemade ricotta, even better 🙂
2pots2cook
Oh dear! With you all the way!!!! 🙂