Sri Lankan Ribbon Sandwiches (Vegetable Tea Sandwiches)

Vegetable Sandwiches made out of layers of carrots, beets and lettuce not only look beautiful, they are a delicious appetizer or tea sandwich for any party.
 

When I was growing up, I loved when my mother made her Ribbon Sandwiches for our parties.  These vegetarian sandwiches consist of carrots, beets and green leaf lettuce sandwiched between layers of buttered bread.  That may sound like an odd combination, but they are truly fantastic together.  

I love these sandwiches because I think they make such a beautiful presentation with the ribbons of color running through each sandwich...talk about a WOW factor for any party.  The best part is they are so simple and inexpensive to make.  

These sandwiches are not just for your vegetarian friends, your meat loving friends will love this hearty sandwich as well.  Every time I put them out at a party, they are so delicious that they disappear pretty quickly. 

   
Sri Lankan Ribbon Sandwiches (Vegetable Tea Sandwiches)
 
 Ingredients:

• 3-4 carrots peeled and boiled or steam

• 1 can of sliced beets drained well 

• 1 small bunch of green leaf lettuce shredded finely. you want a delicate type of lettuce used here.  I don't recommend iceberg or romaine)

• 1 pound of white bread (thin sandwich bread works best)

• softened butter or margarine as needed to butter all the bread

• Salt and Pepper to taste
  

 
 Directions:

Step 1:  Smash the softened carrots with a fork and season well with salt and black pepper. 

Smash the beets with a fork and season well with salt and black pepper.  

Then finely slice the green lettuce leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Butter each slice of bread and put a layer of the the vegetables.

Note: You will actually use 4 slices of bread for each sandwich.  You will need to apply a coating of softened butter/margarine to both sides of each bread slice except for the very top slice and the very bottom slice.  So, the outer sides of of the top and bottom bread slice will be the only sides that are not buttered .

 
Step 3: For the best presentation cut the crust off the bread from all four sides.  This step is optional, but it does make for a prettier sandwich.


Cut your sandwich in a diagonal or rectangle.  You can cut each sandwich into two larger pieces or 4 smaller tea sandwiches.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until service.  I recommend refrigerating them for at least an hour before serving for best results.  Serve on a platter and enjoy. : )

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