Food is the easiest way to learn about a culture and that’s how this delicious sandwich recipe came my way. I first wrote about the Ukrainian sandwich in 2010, when my older daughter discovered it while researching Ukraine for a social studies class.
The sandwich is cooked and sliced sausage, with tomatoes and cucumbers. The bread spread is cream cheese with butter and garlic. The sliced cucumbers are the magic element for me, such a nice crispy crunch instead of the usual iceberg lettuce. The original is served open face, but I like having a lid – consider it cook’s choice.
This sandwich keeps well and that’s how I show it here. I wrapped chunks in parchment paper and stored them in the fridge for grab and go lunches. Give this tasty sandwich recipe a try.
Ukrainian Sandwich Recipe
You can use kielbase or your favorite link type sausge. I’ve made it with chicken sausage and turkey kielbasa and both are good.
1 pound kielbasa or link-type sausage, sliced
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 ounces butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 loaves soft French bread your favorite baguette
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced thin on the bias
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced thin
Salt and freshly ground pepper
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage slices until they are browned. Remove to a paper towel and drain.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter, minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
- Split baguette in half and spread butter mixture evenly across each half. Layer sausage slices, cucumber and tomatoes then grind more black pepper across top. Place lid on sandwich and press firmly together. Wrap sandwich tightly in parchment or plastic. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice before serving.
More Food from A Cook and Her Books
Join the Conversation
Let’s talk about cooking and more on Instagram and Facebook. You can comment on this story, too. I’d love to hear from you!
Leave a Comment