One of our favorite classic sandwiches is the BLT and this chipotle BLT with avocado is no exception. Why is this sandwich so freaking delicious? I mean, it might have something to do with the combo of salty bacon, crisp fresh lettuce, gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, creamy avocado and spicy smokey chipotle spread smashed between a couple pieces of toasted wheat bread. Ya think?
I don’t know about you but I often like to know the origin of certain recipes. You know, the one’s you’ve been eating for decades but you aren’t really sure who invented it or where it actually comes from. Our last post featured a special family recipe for Kari called, Al’s Lemon Chicken which came from her Grandfather’s best friend Al. We both love recipes that have a story and carry traditions but it just got me to thinking, the BLT has been around forever so what’s it’s story? It’s not rocket science but who the heck thought of this sandwich that became a universal classic? Well, lucky for you, you don’t ever have to wonder again (phew!)…the BLT is believed to have descended from the late Victorian-era tea sandwiches. Although the ingredients for the BLT have been around for decades, but there is little evidence that the sandwich existed prior to the 1900’s. Who knew? Maybe you did but I didn’t. There are people doing research (and writing entire cookbooks) on this kind of stuff and I’m the kind who reads it! I also learned that BLT’s really took off during the post war supermarket boom which made the ingredients available to nearly everyone. There are a variety of different spins you can put on the BLT (hence our addition of chipotle and avocado) but the basic ingredients will always remain a classic.
Now that you are an expert on the BLT, let us give you a quick overview of how we do our version.
Here’s the lineup. Easy enough right? You can make this sandwich anytime during the year but summer is when the heirloom tomatoes are at their peak and that can be a game changer. A perfectly ripe, sweet tomato will elevate the simplicity of this sandwich. The chipotle crema is really easy to make. You just blend up greek yogurt, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and a little salt to a nice creamy consistency.
Toast up the bread, layer on all the ingredients and enjoy!
- 2 slices whole grain bread - or bread of choice
- 3 slices hierloom tomato
- ¼ avocado, slices
- 3 pieces nitrate free organic bacon, cooked
- 1 large red leaf lettuce leaf (can sub other such as romaine)
- ½ C 0% greek yogurt
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo + 1 tsp sauce
- pinch of kosher salt
- Add all ingredients for the chipotle crema to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend on high speed until completely broken down and incorporated.
- Place 2 pieces of bread in a toaster and toast until golden brown.
- Spread desired amount of chipotle crema on both sides of toasted bread. Assemble remaining sandwich ingredients on bread (lettuce, bacon, tomatoes and avocado. Top with other side of toasted bread and cut in half to serve.
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