Justin Sullivan is the Assistant Food Editor for Delish, where he helps test, develop, and (of course) taste recipes like one-pot meals, easy desserts, and everything in between. He has worked in professional kitchens across New York, but his favorite role will always be as matzoh ball sous chef to his grandma. He loves diners and being from New Jersey, and when he’s not prepping and testing hundreds of Delish recipes, Justin travels the globe as the world’s foremost chicken finger critic.
Listen I love sandwiches, especially those that have meat in them (see my obsession with the iconic Bacon, Egg, and Cheese). But there's something so special and refreshing about a sandwich that is absolutely packed to the gills with veggies. And this folks, is the ultimate veggie sandwich. Between two slices of bread you will find nine different vegetables packed together in harmony (well technically seven because avocados and tomatoes are fruit but you get what I mean). There are a few things I want to see in every veggie sandwich and they're all in here:
Veggie Spread
This adds some creaminess and sauciness that you'd typically get from something like mayo but can be accomplished with plant-based ingredients. In this case we have two spreads: a simple avocado mash and hummus. They both act as glue, holding every component of the sandwich together, while also providing richness and texture.
Sprouts
For whatever reason alfalfa sprouts are a must for me on veggie sandwiches. Those distinctively smelling, wiry little micro greens add so much to a veggie sandwich. If you really don't like them you, skip them.
Something "Meaty"
Pardon the pun but I truly can't think of a better way to describe it. You need a more substantial veggie that can add some heft and protein to the sandwich. Mushrooms and tofu are great, but I opted for some miso-glazed eggplant that will knock your socks off.
This is just a baseline sandwich, you can swap out anything or even, dare I say it, add more vegetables. It can also be made fully vegan if you swap out the honey for agave or brown sugar.
Tried this ultimate sandwich at home? Let us know how it came out in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 4
- Prep Time:
- 29 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr
Ingredients
For The Quick Pickles
- 1 c.
cucumbers, sliced
- 1
medium carrot, julienned
- 1 c.
rice vinegar
- 1 c.
water
- 1/2 tbsp.
kosher salt
For The Miso Eggplant
- 1
medium eggplant, sliced into ½ inch slices
- 1 tbsp.
kosher salt
- 1/4 c.
white miso
- 2 tbsp.
soy sauce
- 2 tbsp.
rice vinegar
- 1 tsp.
sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp.
honey
For The Sandwiches
- 2
avocado
- 1/2
lime juice
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 2
heirloom tomatoes, sliced thick
- 2 c.
arugula
- 2
small shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 c.
alfafa sprouts
- 1/2 c.
hummus
- 8
slices whole wheat bread, toasted
Directions
For The Quick Pickles
- Step 1In a medium bowl combine cucumber and carrots. Cover with rice vinegar, water and salt. Stir until salt is fully dissolved. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes and up to 48 hours.
For The Miso Eggplant
- Step 1Preheat oven to 425º F.Lay eggplant slices out on a cutting board and sprinkle all sides with kosher salt. Let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a small bowl whisk miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and honey.
- Step 2Line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Dip each slice of eggplant, both sides, in the miso glaze and arrange them on the sheet tray so there is no overlap. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through until browned and tender
For The Sandwiches
- Step 1In a small bowl scoop out the flesh of the avocados and add lime juice. Mash into a spread, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the tomato slices with a sprinkle of salt.
- Step 2Start building the sandwich by spreading ¼ of the avocado on one slice of bread and 2 tbsp of hummus on the other. Begin with the avocado slice then stack the veg in the following order: a few slices of miso eggplant, handful of arugula, 2 slices heirloom tomato, pickled cucumbers, pickled carrots, shallots then sprouts. Top with the other piece of bread, slice in half and serve.
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