Join Kenji, a bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich expert with 11 groundbreaking rules, and Deb, a sandwich scientist known for her seasonal BLT theories. They explore what makes the perfect BLT, from the importance of fresh tomatoes to the debate on whether lettuce is essential. Their passionate banter includes tips on mayonnaise selection, ideal bacon crispness, and the perfect lettuce choices. With humor and nostalgia, they even reveal the secret 'hunch' technique for eating a messy but delicious BLT!
Kenji outlines his 11 rules of crafting the perfect BLT, emphasizing the tomato as the star ingredient during peak season.
The choice of bread significantly affects the BLT's structure and flavor, with a preference for toasted white sandwich bread to prevent sogginess.
Mayo is deemed essential for a balanced BLT, with discussions around variations like spicy mayo enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Deep dives
The Return of Season Two
The podcast celebrates the return of its second season, featuring new stories and conversations centered around the complex feelings associated with weight. Host Ronald Young Jr. interviews a diverse range of guests, including marathon runner Martinez Evans and Aubrey Gordon, to discuss topics like grief and the cultural conversations surrounding weight loss drugs like Ozempic. The show aims to explore personal narratives and societal perceptions about body image, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the emotional landscapes tied to weight. This season continues to build on its reputation, having received several accolades, including being Tribeca-selected and winning multiple AMBIE awards.
Exploring the Perfect BLT
The episode dives into the beloved BLT sandwich, with the hosts discussing their personal approaches to crafting the perfect version. A consensus emerges that the tomato is the star ingredient, especially during peak tomato season, with opinions varying on the ideal amount of bacon and its preparation. Techniques such as grilling the bacon and using quality bread create a flavorful foundation for the sandwich. The hosts share their preferences for the type of lettuce, with iceberg being favored for its crisp texture, contributing to the overall experience of this classic summertime dish.
Bread Matters
The importance of bread in a BLT is emphasized, highlighting that the choice impacts the sandwich's structure and flavor. The hosts express a preference for white sandwich bread that can withstand the moisture from the tomatoes without becoming too soggy. They discuss methods of toasting or grilling the bread in bacon fat to enhance its flavor, achieving a satisfying crunch that complements the fillings. The conversation also touches on the lesser appeal of whole grain or overly crusty breads, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the sandwich.
The Role of Mayo
Mayo is deemed essential for a proper BLT, sparking a debate over personal preferences for brands like Hellman's versus Kewpie. The hosts explore the nuances of incorporating flavors, such as mixing mayo with sriracha for a spicy kick, while agreeing on the need for a generous layer to keep the sandwich balanced. Techniques for layering ingredients are discussed, stressing the importance of strategic placement to prevent sogginess and maximize flavor interaction. Ultimately, mayo is viewed as a critical component, tying the other ingredients together for a cohesive taste experience.
The BLT Experience and Variations
The hosts reflect on the best ways to enjoy a BLT, emphasizing the need for urgency due to the sandwich's tendency to become soggy. They suggest creating a DIY BLT bar for gatherings, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches and consume them fresh. Discussion of potential variations arises, including the idea of adding ingredients like pickled iceberg or swapping out lettuce for different greens, though the importance of maintaining the sandwich's integrity is stressed. Throughout their reflections, they advocate for a purist approach to the classic BLT while allowing room for enjoyable adaptations.
Deb: “This is the perfect sandwich.” Kenji: “This is my favorite sandwich of all time.” In fact, Kenji has gone way beyond just admiring and ingesting the Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato; as Isaac Newton captured the physical world with his laws of motion, Kenji has bestowed us with the 11 rules of the BLT. Deb has made her own significant contributions to the field of sandwich science, with the theory of seasonal variation of the summer BLT and "off-season" BLT.
