Description
Summer’s sizzling “smoky summer delight sandwich” brings together bold Mediterranean flavors and grilled perfection. Mediterranean ingredients dance with charred textures, promising a delicious escape from ordinary lunch routines you’ll savor bite after bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch planks
- 1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into wide strips
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Bread and Spreads:
- 4 slices whole wheat bread (or ciabatta rolls)
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) hummus (or pesto mayo as a substitute)
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Fire up the grill to 450°F, creating intense heat for optimal vegetable caramelization.
- Coat eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms with olive oil, then season with minced garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper for robust flavor profiles.
- Position vegetables directly on hot grill grates, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until edges develop smoky char marks and vegetables become tender yet maintain slight crispness.
- Carefully transfer grilled vegetables to a platter, allowing slight cooling and flavor melding.
- Lightly toast bread slices on grill for 30-45 seconds, creating crisp golden surfaces with subtle grill marks.
- Generously spread creamy hummus across each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage for maximum taste integration.
- Strategically layer grilled vegetables onto bread, creating a colorful and textured arrangement.
- Optional: Sprinkle selected cheese between vegetable layers for additional richness.
- Gently press sandwich halves together, compressing ingredients for cohesive flavor experience.
- Cut diagonally and serve immediately while vegetables remain warm and bread maintains crisp texture.
Notes
- Char vegetables carefully to enhance smoky flavor without burning, which can create bitter taste.
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even grilling and consistent cooking texture throughout sandwich.
- Experiment with different herb-infused olive oils like basil or rosemary to add extra depth to vegetable marinades.
- Consider dairy-free or vegan alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining rich creamy texture without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg