Bear in mind winter? The way in which it simply stored on going till, like, final month? I simply put my sweaters away for the season, and it’s already too scorching to suppose. And cooking? FORGET IT. It’s pantry meals and popsicles for now, and it’s bought to be fast, too — nothing like being hangry in a heatwave. The opposite day, whereas lingering over the fridge, stealing a second of blissful chill, I spied a container of ricotta cheese. Chilly, creamy ricotta. Offered, I assumed. Feels like dinner to me.
And the good factor about ricotta is that it just about can be dinner (or breakfast, or dessert for that matter) with little or no dressing up. A hunk of bread, a bit salt, and a jar of one thing, and also you’re set. Preserved lemon, pickled peppers — actually, something with a little bit of zing will play nicely with ricotta. That evening, I discovered a jar of Dealer Joe’s Sluggish-Roasted Tomatoes floating across the again of my cupboard — and a bag of their beloved Sandwich Starters — thus, a killer new TJ’s dinner was born. It’s filling, it’s tremendous-quick, and it tastes like a meal you place effort and time into (slightly than merely, the primary few belongings you discovered within the kitchen). It does require the usage of a toaster, however just for 90 seconds max, and I promise, it’ll be price it. TJ’s Sandwich Starters have cult standing for a purpose: They’re a tender, chewy, dense-in-a-good-way hybrid of ciabatta and burger bun. And even a light-weight toasting provides a satisfying crunch to the creamy textures on this meal.
If it helps, I discover this dish is finest made whereas standing in a bra within the kitchen, with an ice-cold Food plan Coke on the counter. However that half’s optionally available. Right here’s the recipe…
Summery Dinner Toasts
Serves 1
1 Dealer Joe’s Sandwich Starter
1 cup ricotta cheese (I take advantage of TJ’s whole-milk ricotta, however any model is okay)
1/2 a jar of TJ’s Sluggish Roasted Tomatoes
Salt and pepper, to style
Just a few leaves of recent basil, washed and torn, for topping*
*When you have it round. I typically do within the summertime, however this meal is a lot scrumptious with out. For goodness’ sake, do not go to the shop!
Cut up the Sandwich Starter in half, and evenly toast. Plate the toast slices and divide the ricotta between them, spreading over every slice.
Prime every bit with a layer of roasted tomatoes, scooping them out of the jar with a small fork. (If you happen to like, you’ll be able to spoon out a bit oil from the jar and drizzle it evenly over the toast.) Add salt and pepper to style (the jarred tomatoes are a bit salty already, so go simple with the primary pinch, you’ll be able to all the time add extra). End with recent basil on prime, if utilizing, and revel in — shirtless or not.
What are you making for dinner lately? Do you’ve a favourite stove-free meal?
P.S. Extra Dealer Joe’s meal hacks and concepts:
* My 10 favourite issues from Dealer Joe’s lately
* 5-ingredient Dealer Joe’s shrimp tacos recipe
* A scrumptious Dealer Joe’s breakfast hack
* Style check: Dealer Joe’s knockoffs vs. unique manufacturers
* A TJ’s cheese-plate components
* 10 Dealer Joe’s merchandise to shake up breakfast
* 4 nice Dealer Joe’s meal hacks — and three extra right here!
(Photographs by Yossy Arefi for Cup of Jo.)
