Bear in mind winter? The way in which it simply saved 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 acquired 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. Bought, I believed. Appears 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, slightly 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 night time, 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 (reasonably than merely, the primary few stuff you discovered within the kitchen). It does require using 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 comfortable, 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 greatest made whereas standing in a bra within the kitchen, with an ice-cold Eating regimen Coke on the counter. However that half’s non-obligatory. Right here’s the recipe…
Summery Dinner Toasts
Serves 1
1 Dealer Joe’s Sandwich Starter
1 cup ricotta cheese (I exploit 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
A couple of leaves of contemporary basil, washed and torn, for topping*
*In case you have it round. I typically do within the summertime, however this meal is loads scrumptious with out. For goodness’ sake, do not go to the shop!
Break up the Sandwich Starter in half, and evenly toast. Plate the toast slices and divide the ricotta between them, spreading over every slice.
Prime each bit with a layer of roasted tomatoes, scooping them out of the jar with a small fork. (In case you like, you possibly can spoon out slightly 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 possibly can all the time add extra). End with contemporary basil on high, if utilizing, and revel in — shirtless or not.
What are you making for dinner nowadays? Do you have got a favourite stove-free meal?
P.S. Extra Dealer Joe’s meal hacks and concepts:
* My 10 favourite issues from Dealer Joe’s nowadays
* 5-ingredient Dealer Joe’s shrimp tacos recipe
* A scrumptious Dealer Joe’s breakfast hack
* Style check: Dealer Joe’s knockoffs vs. authentic manufacturers
* A TJ’s cheese-plate method
* 10 Dealer Joe’s merchandise to shake up breakfast
* 4 nice Dealer Joe’s meal hacks — and three extra right here!
(Pictures by Yossy Arefi for Cup of Jo.)
