Family Chow Hall

Veggie Sandwich

August 1st, 2011

“This is the King of my Sandwich World”, my hubby said tonight when eating this delicious, fresh vegetable sandwich. When he said that, I knew I’d better share this recipe with my friends and readers.

I was inspired by the Farmer’s Market Grilled Cheese from Better Homes and Gardens, but of course catered it to suit our tastes better.

The basic idea behind this sandwich is to pick your favorite FRESH vegetables from the produce section or the Farmer’s Market and surround them with sourdough bread and gooey cream cheese.

The Sandwich King

Sourdough bread - 1 loaf
cream cheese, 8 oz
cilantro - 1/2 bunch
sliced tomato - 1 large
vidalia onion - 1 medium
jalapeno pepper - 1 sliced thinly
artichoke hearts - 1 can, chopped
fresh spinach - about 1/4 bag chopped

(I know the artichokes are not a fresh veggie, but we do love them on this anyway!)

First thing to do is bring a block of cream cheese up to room temperature, then beat it with a mixer. Add minced fresh cilantro and beat it together. This is your cheese spread. Do not refrigerate this before making the sandwiches. It will be impossible to spread.

Next, slice and dice all the vegetables just the way you want them. With my large and opinionated family, I keep everything in separate bowls and let each person decide what to put on their own sandwich. When it comes to the picky ones, I tell them it has to have at least two things and they can’t get something else out. (Otherwise, they’d likely end up with a boring peanut butter or bologna sandwich.)

Finally, build this like it’s a glorified grilled cheese sandwich. Butter on one side of each slice of bread. Smooth the cream cheese spread (liberally!) on one slice, topped with as many of the vegetables as you like. Press it together and grilled it on a hot skillet. (cast iron if you’ve got one)

The first evening we tried this sandwich, every single one of us was skeptical. We were all pleasantly surprised - so delicious! There is an amazing combination of fresh flavors in every bite, surrounded by this gooey cream cheese mixture that binds it all together. It’s an excellent, light-tasting summertime meal. And if you have a garden, a great way to incorporate your fresh vegetables into your menu in a new way.

*Consider using zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, bell peppers, avocado, … or come up with your own ideas.

Entry Filed under: Recipes, sandwiches