Lightly pickled cukes take the place of tomato in this “B-L-C.”
Pleasantly sweet-sour and redolent of tarragon, this bacon sammie is dressed with a smear of garlicky mayo and layered with peppery greens on toasted artisan bread.
Tarragon makes a surprising addition to the quick-pickled cucumber, which could easily double as a side dish for rich, barbecued lamb or pork, poached salmon, or grilled oily fish such as mackerel or sardines. Dill works beautifully instead of tarragon, especially with seafood. Add dried chilies, if you like.
Bacon Sandwich with Tarragon Quick Pickles, Aioli, and Greens
Serve right away or wrap the sandwiches in paper as part of a summertime picnic.
Servings 2
Calories 898kcal
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices bacon like Niman Ranch Applewood smoked
- 3 small thin-skinned cucumbers
- ½ shallot
- 2 teaspoons tarragon leaves
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup good-quality store-bought or homemade mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 thick slices country-style artisan bread
- 2 cups peppery greens (arugula, watercress, baby mustard greens)
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 400°F. Arrange the bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast until crispy, 12–15 minutes. When the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels (or use a brown paper grocery bag from the recycling).
- While the bacon cooks, slice the cucumbers ¼-inch thick using a mandoline, mince the shallot, and chop the tarragon. Combine in a mixing bowl with the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside to “quick pickle.”
- Peel and mince the garlic or grate it on a Microplane into a small bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread, smear with the aioli, and layer with bacon, quick pickles, and spicy greens. Cut in half and serve.
