Grilled Sourdough with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata
Updated: Mar 6
Crispy and chewy grilled sourdough with sweet vine ripened heirloom tomatoes and a rich and buttery burrata is my new favorite summer dinner. I love the complex flavors and textures of this simple and robust dish, almost as much as how quick and easy it is to make! Fresh ingredients are the key to this mouthwatering crave-able summertime meal.
Why Sourdough?
Have you ever wondered why sourdough is considered a healthier bread? There are several reasons why sourdough is a great choice when looking for a tasty and nutrient dense bread. Sourdough bread is rich in fiber, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (riboflavin) and B9 (folate).
Sourdough bread can be easier to digest for those with gluten sensitivities. I do NOT recommend eating sourdough bread if you have celiacs disease or any type of severe sensitivity to gluten without checking with your physician first. One of the reasons sourdough can be more digestible for those with gluten sensitivities is due to the long fermentation process that sourdough bread undergoes. This allows for the wild yeast and bacteria present from your starter to break down proteins and carbohydrates (fructans) found in the flour [1].
Sourdough bread can be helpful for individuals working to maintain more stable blood sugar levels as it has a lower glycemic index, which supports healthier blood sugar regulation by reducing the potential for a severe blood glucose spike due to its slower absorption. This is thought to occur due to the fermentation process and how the carbohydrates are broken down and changed [2].
Why Tomatoes are So Good for You!
There are so many reasons to love tomatoes other than their tart and tangy delicious flavor and how versatile they are, they contain loads of nutrients such as lycopene, insoluble and soluble fiber, vitamins C, K1, B9(folate), potassium, and antioxidants like beta carotene [3]. Let's dive a little into what lycopene is an how it supports your health.
Lycopene is an antioxidant known as a carteniod, and is found in red, pink and orange fruits and vegetables, it's what gives these plants their reddish hues. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and combats oxidative stress protecting your cells and your health.
Lycopene has been shown to support a healthy heart and blood pressure [4] as well as the balance of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL).
Does Organic Matter? That depends on what you are buying, and when it comes to tomatoes, I always buy organic and here's why...tomatoes are a delicious fruit that lots and lots of critters love, and to yield a profitable crop, industrial farming loads up these delicate, juicy gems (which are often GMO's) with lots of pesticides that contain glyphosate and other neurotoxins.
Across the globe, over 80% of all the GMO crops that are cultivated have been modified against herbicides such as RoundUp. This means that the crops have had their DNA altered so that they are resistant against chemicals like RoundUp allowing for these toxic chemicals to be sprayed on the crops, killing other plants and pests without harming the crop itself. The problem with chemicals like glyphosate is that they are now part of the food you eat, and have given rise to "superbugs" and "superweeds" that have become resistant to it and can now only be killed with chemicals that are even more toxic like 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D, an ingredient in Agent Orange) shown to correlate with thyroid disorders, hormonal disorders, decreased fertility, birth defects, and cancer [5].
Now buying organic is a personal choice, and not everything you buy has to be organic, check out EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen as they update their list of the recommend produce they recommend buying organically, if possible as well as the conventional ones that are safer to buy.
So grab some summer heirloom tomatoes and let's get cooking!
Grilled Sourdough with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata Ingredients
Serves 2-4
2 Slices of Sourdough Bread, 1/2" thick
1-2 Organic Heirloom Tomatoes,
1 Ball of Fresh Burrata
¼ cup Aged Balsamic Vinegar
¼ cup Cold Pressed EVOO +¼ cup EVOO
1 Clove Garlic
3-5 Fresh Basil Leaves, chiffonade
1/8 tsp Fine Sea Salt or Pink Salt
Pinch of Black Pepper
How to Make Grilled Sourdough with Heirloom Tomatoes and Burrata
1. Brush each side of the sourdough using ¼ cup EVOO, pan fry or grill 2-3 mins over medium heat until golden brown on each side, remove from heat.
2. Make the balsamic drizzle: Add the balsamic vinegar, garlic, ¼ cup of EVOO, S&P and fresh basil to a small jar and shake well or add to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
3. Slice the tomatoes and layer on the grilled sourdough bread.
4. Slice the burrata in half and lay on top of the tomatoes, drizzle with the balsamic dressing.
Enjoy!
Watch the Video HERE
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FAQs
Q: Will the bread stick to the pan when grilling?
A: I use my cast iron skillet and have never had a problem, especially since you'll brush each side of the sourdough toast with EVOO.
Q: I can't find burrata, is it okay to use regular mozzarella cheese?
A: Yes, just make sure it's hand pulled fresh mozzarella, this will have a creamy fresh flavor and tender bite!
Q: Can you use dried basil in the balsamic vinaigrette?
A: You can, but it won't have the same bright flavor as fresh basil.
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. - Amy
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