The other week I made my husband and I spring rolls for dinner. Nothing fancy – just rice paper rolled around rice noodles, carrot and cucumber sticks, and some peanut sauce for dipping. Oh, and basil. This was key.
If there’s one thing you should know about my husband and I, it’s that we have different tastes. I, for instance, can pick up a handful of basil and eat it raw, joyfully. My husband, on the other hand, gets skeptical if there’s any more than 2 sprigs in one dish. Men and women, so different sometimes.
And so, while eating his spring rolls stuffed plentifully with fresh basil, he began to pick all of the leaves out and set them on his plate. And in a moment of fury and confusion, I asked, “are you gonna eat that?” To which he replied, “no, it’s just too much.” And so I did what any logical foodie would do. I swiped them up in one hand, dipped them in my peanut sauce and devoured them in one intense and purely satisfying bite. And in that moment, I knew peanut butter and basil would do great things together.
- Half of a fresh baguette or two slices of wheat bread
- 1-2 Tablespoons naturally, peanut butter (I used crunchy)
- Large handful of fresh basil
- drizzle of honey (or agave for vegan, although optional)
- Toast the baguette or bread lightly (optional) and then layer it with peanut butter, basil, and a drizzle of honey. Devour immediately.
This sandwich blew my mind. More good things to come with this perfect flavor combination.
Enjoy,
Dana
Amanda June 27, 2012 at 2:20 pm
MMMM….sounds perfect—will be trying this for lunch!
Kay June 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm
As you know, I have tons of basil, so, since I just brought in a Wal-Mart bag of basil, I will have to have this for lunch. I don’t have such cool bread, but I’ll make do.
Mimi June 27, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Just out of curiosity, what camera do you use for your photos? Those are some gorgeous shots.
dana June 27, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Thanks! It’s a NikonD90.
Katie June 27, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Lovely! I adore basil. Meeker hates it. I’m going to eat this for dinner next time he’s away. ;-)
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) June 27, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Super interesting & so easy! I could see that combo being delicious. :)
Sara @my less serious life June 28, 2012 at 9:35 am
i just found your website and realize that there are only a few posts so you are new! i LOVE all the ones on here (have pinned two of the already!). i really hope to see more from you!!
Caitlin June 28, 2012 at 7:58 pm
i couldn’t help smiling while i read this post. you and your husband sound so much like me and my husband! ahh men..there is NEVER too much basil. NEVER. and peanut butter and basil? genius! definitely trying this combo out soon ;)
Lauren July 3, 2012 at 11:40 am
We just made this because we were totally skeptical. It was delicious!!
Who knew you could make a peanut butter sandwich taste fresh?!
dana July 3, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Yay! So glad you liked it! It’s my new fave PB sandwich :D
Genevieve September 6, 2012 at 11:01 am
I was intrigued by this idea when I first saw it, and I finally got around to trying this last week. I made it on regular sandwich bread and I loved it – it was definitely a welcome change from the old peanut butter and jam! I love peanut sauce and Asian flavours, and the combination of peanut butter and basil reminded me of that. I also added some finely chopped peanuts for the crunch and the drizzle of honey that you recommended. Thanks for the new idea!
Lindsay January 9, 2013 at 11:34 am
I must try this…. I never thought peanut butter could be successfully paired with anything green until I discovered peanut butter and lentil sprout sandwiches (which I also highly recommend). Thanks for the idea :)
Heather February 9, 2013 at 2:10 pm
My old Dutch teacher used to make me a treat during my lessons: Black-bread toast smeared with Marmite, peanut butter, and sambal. I’ve made it into closed sandwiches (so un-Dutch) and now I think I need to try adding basil. It already tastes like Thai food — the inclusion of basil will take it right over the top. In fact, I think I’m going to make a Thai peanut butter sandwich this week for dinner…
Kristen March 6, 2013 at 7:56 am
I LOVE this idea. I always find that I have too much basil left over after making tomato sauce. This definitely solves that problem!
Lara April 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Hi Dana and John :)
Even though I have been on your blog countless times (FindingVegan brought me here), I never really took the time to read through your About-site and look through all the recipes. Yesterday I did and now I’m officially addicted – wonderful photos, delicious recipes and your “philosophy” that underlies the whole blog inspires me to clear out my whole life.
Thank you so much and please, never stop doing what you do!
Bestestest wishes, Lara :)
Dana April 16, 2013 at 4:21 pm
YOu are such a sweetheart! Thanks so much for taking the time to read our about page and leave such a sweet comment. We do have reason behind our minimalist ways, so we’re glad when readers can connect with that, too. Hugs!