What
food would you prepare when you need to get a really quick bite, or
when you need something to pack with you on a trip? Most people’s answer
would be “a sandwich”, and we couldn’t agree more, as a sandwich is
probably the most convenient and simple type of food there is. But if
it’s so simple, why is it, then, that the sandwich you order in a
restaurant often tastes so much better than the one you make at home?
The
difference is in a few small details that really determine how
delicious your sandwich will be. In fact, the majority of people don’t
know that packing a sandwich in plastic or adding condiments directly to
a slice of bread can ruin your sandwich. Find why it’s important to avoid these and 9 other mistakes when preparing a sandwich, and how to make a sandwich like a chef.
Mistake 1. Not drying out the greens after washing
Adding
greens, like spinach, lettuce or arugula, to your sandwich can make it
taste fresher and it’s a great way to sneak in greens into your diet.
However, many people forget to dry out the freshly-washed greens, and
this can turn even an otherwise perfect sandwich into a soggy and watery
mess. Make sure dry your greens either by using a salad spinner or, if
you don’t have one, you can use the plastic bag method.
Mistake 2. Adding condiments directly on the bread
When
you’re adding spreads and condiments straight on your bread, you’re
risking to get a soggy sandwich that doesn’t keep its shape as well.
This is especially true if you’re planning to eat it later. To prevent
this from happening, simply add a slice of cheese on top of the bread
first and add your condiments and spreads after. The cheese will prevent
the liquid from seeping into the bread.
Alternatively,
you can toast the bread or roll before adding the condiments: this will
also help the liquids absorb slower into the bread.
Mistake 3. Not spreading out the fillings evenly
Ideally,
you want to taste each filling every time you take a bite of your
sandwich, and it can even be quite annoying to bite into just lettuce or
cucumbers and not the meat or cheese. That’s why it’s key to distribute
your fillings in an even layer, especially the vegetables.
Mistakes 4. Disregarding texture
This
is one of the most common mistakes out there. When preparing a
sandwich, it’s very beneficial to think not only about the variation in
taste but also in texture. And extra crunch or creaminess, or lack
thereof can make or break an otherwise delicious sandwich.
The
simplest way to introduce texture is by simply toasting your bread, but
we recommend going a bit further and adding a crispy fried egg or a
couple of nuts to your sandwich as well, you will be surprised as to
what a difference this small change makes.
Mistake 5. Slicing the ingredients too thick
It
doesn’t matter if you’re making a traditional sandwich or an open one,
slicing your ingredients too thick will ruin your sandwich. This goes
back to the importance of even layering we talked about before: when
you’re slicing your meat, cheese, or vegetables too thick, you won’t be
able to take a bite of it and will end up with a whole piece in your
mouth.
Slice
everything as thinly as you possibly can instead. This way you will be
able to taste each ingredient with each bite and enjoy your sandwich so
much more.
Mistake 6. You’re afraid to combine different ingredients or try new ones
Using
the usual ingredients in our sandwiches is a convenient habit, but
thinking outside of the box can make the usual or even boring sandwich
you take with you to work a pleasure. Try adding fresh herbs and nuts to
enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich. You can also try new
spreads, such as hummus or tahini instead of the usual butter, mayo or
avocados.
Finally,
try adding new cheese varieties, such as halloumi, brie or even grated
parmesan, and different types of meat and fish to your sandwiches to
increase their flavor profile and add variety to your sandwiches.
Mistake 7. You forget to season the vegetables
When
you’re incorporating fresh vegetables to your sandwich, don’t forget to
sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding them to the
sandwich. This is especially true about avocados, lettuce, and
cucumbers that need a bit of enhancement because they don’t have a
pronounced taste of their own.
Mistake 8. Making the sandwich too tall
This
is a common mistake that even restaurants make. The sandwich
(hamburger, hot dog, etc.) should be convenient to bite, especially if
you’re on the go. Eating a sandwich shouldn’t require strategic
planning, as it often happens with extra big hamburgers or large
sandwiches packed excessively with filling.
If
you’re afraid that you won’t be full after eating only one sandwich,
it’s better to pack 2 small ones than a monstrosity that will end up all
over your shirt.
Mistake 9. Going overboard with the meat and cheese
Usually,
the foods that have the strongest taste in a sandwich are the meat,
fish or cheese that you use. Putting too much of these ingredients will
cancel out the taste of the rest, and you can end up missing out on the
more nuanced flavors if you just add a lot of meat or cheese. The
recommended amount of cheese and meat per sandwich is below 5 ounces.
Mistake 10. Slicing bread unevenly
Bread
is the basis for a good sandwich. Not only does it have to be fresh,
but it also should be cut evenly, otherwise your sandwich may taste too
dry or might fall apart as you’re eating it. This happens especially
often with rolls or baguettes, so be careful and cut those types of
bread a bit closer to the top that you think you should to get a more
even cut.
Mistake 11. Not packaging correctly
Packing
your beautiful sandwich in plastic wrap or into a plastic sandwich bag
is a bad idea because your sandwich will get smashed and squished, plus
it’s bad for your environment and possibly even to your health. Instead,
pack it in parchment paper and then place it in a lunch box or any
reusable container. This will preserve the integrity of the sandwich and
it will taste just like a fresh one for hours.