The Tomato Sandwich: A Southern Summer Staple!
Having been born and raised in North Carolina, the southern tomato sandwich is something I am very familiar with. Additionally, I was a vegetarian child in a home where both parents worked, which made the simple, messy, satisfying tomato sandwich a summer staple in my childhood home and beyond.
At first glance, one might think, “What’s the big deal? It’s just a tomato sandwich?” I beg to differ! A true southern style tomato sandwich should ooze its juices down your forearms while enjoying it! Just as a side note, this article is meant to be casual and fun. After all, life is meant to be enjoyed! Continue reading as I deconstruct the perfect tomato sandwich, southern style!
“Good food is very often, even most often, simple food.” Anthony Bourdain
Tomato Sandwich: The History
It is thought that tomatoes were brought to the southern states of the US in the early 1800’s by Spanish settlers. Interesting enough, they were not eaten for many years due to rumors that they were poisonous. Today, tomatoes are widely grown in the south due to the warm climate and loyal following.
Nobody really knows when the tomato sandwich, aka “Mater Sandwich,” became a thing. However, the Virginia Chronicle posted a reference to the meal back in 1911. The reference described a man that prepared a lunch which consisted of a tomato sandwich, a slice of watermelon, a slice of coconut cream pie, and iced tea. In true southern style, I could write a whole article about sweet tea, but I will save that for another time!
The Ingredients!
Tomatoes – The stars of the show! To master the tomato sandwich, it all starts with the perfect selection of fruit! To begin with, it has to be a local, vine-ripened, summer tomato. Preferably, a large heirloom variety such as a Cherokee Purple, Beefsteak, or Brandywine, fully ripened. Keep in mind, the idea is that one chunky slice will cover the whole slice of bread.
Bread – Old-fashioned white bread is the gold standard for a southern tomato sandwich. Now remember, I am not claiming that this post is nutrition dense! LOL! If old school white bread is not your thing, any bread can be substituted. Personally, I love my tomato sandwiches on a nice sourdough, but that is not the traditional choice.
- Mayonnaise – Okay, here is where it can get very controversial! In the south, the only mayonnaise most southerners recognize is Duke’s Mayonnaise in a yellow and black jar. We actually don’t even call it mayonnaise, we lovingly call it “Dukes.” Dukes mayonnaise, founded in 1917 by Eugenia Duke, who sold sandwiches with her homemade sauce to WW1 soldiers, has a loving following. Likewise, it is known for its unmatchable flavor and twang, it really is quite a stand-alone spread! Of course, any other mayonnaise can be substituted. However, I don’t know if you can truly call it a southern tomato sandwich without Dukes!
- Salt and Pepper – A generous sprinkle of good quality salt and pepper on top of the sliced tomato. Personally, I like sea salt with crushed peppercorns
Southern Style Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 tomato, sliced large slicer/heirloom variety
- 2 slices white bread
- 1-2 tbsp mayonnaise Duke's or other brand
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of both slices of white bread.
- Slice a heirloom variety of tomato in chunky slices.
- Place the sliced tomato in between the sliced bread.
- Sprinkle generously with good quality salt and pepper.
Extra Things To Note
There is an art to making the perfect southern style tomato sandwich! One must not go into this without thinking through the details! Below you will find a step by step process to make the tomato sandwich of your dreams!
- Place two slices of fresh white bread on your workspace.
- Slather both sides of bread evenly with a Mayonnaise of your choice, preferably Duke’s!
- Slice the largest, juiciest, local, vine-ripened tomato you can get your hands on!
- If at all possible, cover the bread with one chunky sliced tomato. (One slice of tomato creates a perfect seal between the mayonnaise and the bread.)
- Generously sprinkle good salt and pepper over the sliced tomato.
- Plop the other slice of bread on top.
- MOST IMPORTANT! Grab the sandwich securely underneath with both hands and enjoy!
- NAPKINS! NAPKINS! AND A SLEEVE OR TWO! If you made the sandwich correctly, you will have a bright pink juice running down your forearms. Napkins are a MUST!!
- Welcome to the southern style tomato sandwich club! Summer will now have new meaning to your life!
- Interested in some serious articles about food with amazing recipes? Check out my section under Nourishment HERE! This blogpost was meant to bring about a few laughs, because, after all, life is short! See you in the next post!
About the Writer:
Hi, I am Candy. I started Harvesting Health and Happiness out of a desire to offer blog posts related to health and happiness. My hope is to spread encouraging words through my writings to uplift the collective. Learn more about my story HERE.
I beg to differ on the mayo….it should be Hellmans! 😁
Hellmans VS Dukes!! OH MY!!!!