Meatless Monday: Emeril's 3 Cheese Veggie Sandwich

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this recipe, which was shared by the #SundaySupper group, but it also introduced me to the book from which the recipe came, Emeril's Kicked Up Sandwiches.

This was so stinking delicious, and I just could not believe that my children and husband were eating sprouts.  Willingly.

This was such a delicious lunch, and while we had it on a weekend afternoon, it's fast enough to put together that it would be great in a brown bag lunch at work too (or lunchbox for those sprout eaters I mentioned).

Three Cheese Veggie Sandwich Source:  Emeril's Kicked Up Sandwiches via Cindy's Recipes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 slices seeded or multigrain bread(see page 301)toasted
• 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomato and Walnut Pesto (page 320)
• 1/2 cucumber sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper,for seasoning
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 4 slices cheddar
• 4 slices Swiss
• 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup alfalfa or green leaf sprouts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

1. Arrange the toast slices in a single layer on a work surface. Spread 2 Tablespoons of the Sun-Dried Tomato and Walnut Pesto on each slice of bread. On 4 of the slices, arrange the cucumber in a single layer, covering as much of the bread as possible, and season with just a pinch of salt and pepper. Place a slice each of provolone, cheddar and Swiss cheese on top of the cucumber. Divide the avocado slices evenly among the sandwiches and season with salt and pepper. Spread 2 Tablespoons of the sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the avocado.
2. In a small mixing bowl, toss the spouts with the olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread 1/4 cup of the sprouts over the tomatoes on each sandwich. Complete the sandwiches with the remaining slices of toast.

Sun-dried Tomato and Walnut Pesto

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnut halves or pieces, toasted
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup whole sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Finely grated zest of lemon
• 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Place the walnuts in a food processor and pulse until they are thoroughly chopped. Add the garlic, basil, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Pulse for a few seconds. With the machine running, add oil in a steady stream to combine. Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl and use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week, or store in the freezer for 3 months.