Vegan Grilled Vegetable Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 large carrot
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 4-5 tablespoons vegetable broth or water
- 1 onion
- 1 batch vegan cheese sauce or 7 ounces store-bought vegan cheese
- 2 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 4 slices sandwich bread, gluten-free if needed
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, gluten-free if needed
- 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Cayenne pepper, optional
Preparation
Carrot
Slice one large carrot lengthwise into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a skillet and add the carrot slices, sprinkle with salt.
After a few minutes, add 4-5 tablespoons of vegetable broth or water to avoid burning.
Cook with a lid on over medium heat until tender, about 12-15 minutes, adding more broth if needed.
Flip halfway through.
Spinach and onion mixture
Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a different pan and add the diced onion.
Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until nicely browned.
Add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, spinach, and all spices.
Turn off the heat after 60 seconds and set aside.
Sandwich assembly and cooking
Drizzle both sides of 4 slices of bread with a little oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Heat them up in a pan or on the grill for a few minutes.
Prepare a batch of vegan cheese sauce or use store-bought cheese.
Top two slices of bread with a heaped tablespoon of vegan cheese sauce.
Add the spinach and onion mixture.
Top with the carrot slices.
Add another layer of vegan cheese sauce.
Finally, top with the other slice of bread.
Cook on medium heat in a skillet or on the grill for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more, and remove from pan.