Bahn mi — a sandwich full of flavors
Banh mi’s a mouth-watering sandwich that’s easy to make
There are a few recipes I can make without pulling up a recipe. This — banh mi — is one of them. It is the most requested meal from my teenage son and on my college-aged daughter’s top five list. I can’t take credit for it, although I wish I could — it’s from Bon Appétit magazine. The combination of savory meatballs, zesty mayo and crunchy vegetables, produce a sandwich full of flavors that are truly mouth-watering.
You can find all of the ingredients year-round at your local supermarket, but right now is the best time to make this recipe, because most of the fresh ingredients are in season and can be found at the farmers market. Earthy carrots, young and tender scallions (they have been small, but delicious), crunchy daikon,
glossy jalapenos and big bunches of herbs have lined market tables recently.
If you’re unfamiliar with daikon, it is a Japanese radish. The most common type is long and white, and looks similar to a carrot. However, there is a beautiful purple variety from Fiddler’s Green (at both the Thursday and Sunday farmers markets in San Rafael), which would work as well.
This recipe has three components, two of which can be made ahead of time. The third is easy to make, but requires an hour to marinate. A soft roll is our preferred vessel. I have found that a baguette, either sweet or sour, is too hard. Additionally, removing some of
the bread’s interior dough allows the flavors of the sandwich to really come through.
If you’re looking for an alternative to pork, I suggest substituting ground dark meat, such as turkey or chicken. I don’t recommend using white meat, as it will make for a dry meatball.
This recipe can easily be doubled. You may have leftover spread, which will make a delicious addition
to your leftover turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving.
Carolyn Jensen is a culinary explorer who is devoted to shopping farmers’ markets for locally sourced, extraordinary and seasonal foods. She shares her weekly bounty through photos, tips and recipes on Instagram at gatherweekly. Contact her at jensencarolyn@comcast. net.