- 4 ripe tomatoes, cored
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of sugar (see Note)
- 1 pound soft goat cheese
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices (½ inch thick) crusty peasant bread
- 8 whole fresh basil leaves
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Halve the tomatoes crosswise, and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sprinkle with the sugar. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 3 hours. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the tomatoes to a plate to cool.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, gently crumble the goat cheese into a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the orange zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until the tomatoes have finished roasting and are cooled.
- When you are ready to serve the sandwiches, lightly toast the bread. Spread the cheese mixture on one side of each slice. Top with 2 whole basil leaves and 2 tomato halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Serve immediately.