Tomato, Onion, and Basil Tartine | Vegan

A tartine is a French word for open-face sandwich. Don’t let the fancy word scare you, this is a super simple, easy, yet delicious sandwich to make for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve with a small handful of nuts and a big salad, maybe a yummy dessert, and you will have yourself a fast lunch or weeknight meal, without any meat or egg or dairy (i.e., vegan).

My basil is growing so much in my tiny front-yard garden, I have to start using it, and this was an easy way to do so. Funny that I used to think I didn’t like basil. I’m still not a big fan of commercial basil, but my basil, grown myself, seems to taste a lot better, not as strong, and I like it!

The addition of turmeric powder and black sesame seeds is optional, however, turmeric is being recognized for so many health benefits, it’s a great way to use it in this recipe, and black sesame seeds are a great way to add important minerals in our diet.

Essential Trace Minerals
A 1/4 cup serving of black sesame seeds provides almost 1.5 milligrams (mg), or 74 percent of the DV, for the trace mineral copper, and 2.8 mg (about 19 percent of the DV) for zinc. These minerals are needed in very small quantities, but are essential for human health. Copper plays a role in the anti-inflammatory process which is beneficial for reducing some of the swelling and pain characteristic of inflammatory diseases. Copper also is needed to activate an enzyme necessary for building collagen and elastin, which provide structure and elasticity to bones and joints.

Low dietary intakes of the trace mineral zinc (low circulating levels in the bloodstream) is associated with a depressed immune system as well as loss of bone and decreased bone density of the hip and spine. Consuming zinc-rich foods, such as black sesame seeds, reduces the risk of suffering from bone fractures caused by reduced bone density (common among the elderly) or osteoporosis. Optimal zinc intake may reduce the frequency and length of the common cold because it keeps the immune system healthy. (Source: Livestrong)

This recipe is for one, but obviously, you can double, triple, or quadruple it! Make as many as you’d like!

Enjoy!

ECP xo

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Tomato, Onion, and Basil Tartine | Vegan

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: European

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 serving

An easy tomato, onion, and basil tartine recipe, for those summer days when all the produce are in season!

Ingredients

• 4 slices organic tomato (local and in-season is best)
• 2 onion (thin slices)
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• 1 Tbsp organic mayonnaise (if you are vegan, choose an egg-free mayo)
• 2 slices organic bread of your choice toasted
• sea salt a pinch
• black pepper (optional)
• turmeric powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black sesame seeds (optional)

Dressing

• 1/2 tsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. While your bread is toasting, mix the dressing by combining all 3 ingredients in a small container or glass.
2. After toasting the bread and cooling off a little, put a generous amount of mayo on each slices, cover with tomato slices, onion slices, and fresh basil leaves.
3. Add a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper, turmeric, and sesame seeds (optional).
4. Drizzle with dressing.
5. Serve with a green salad.
6. Enjoy immediately.

Note: I do not believe anyone should worry about counting calories, but here is the nutritional information for one serving
Calories: 312kcal | Fat: 7g | Saturated fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 634mg | Carbohydrates: 53g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g | Protein: 8g | Vitamin A: 985% | Vitamin C: 31.1% | Calcium: 191% | Iron: 2.6%