Veggie Sandwich

Going vegetarian and thinking that it would mean the end of eating that fancy club?  Well technically, although there would be no meat now in the sandwiches, there are ways to still eat this very convenient meal even without the presence of deli cuts, chicken breast flakes, or canned tuna.  All it takes is a bit of research, a little creativity, and sometimes a bit of inspiration.

Bruschetta and other open-faced sandwiches may be a good place to start.  These may be served as cocktails or appetizers in a party.  Mushrooms sautéed in garlic are the usual choices for this type of meal, although in some cases, tomatoes, basil, and probably some cheese are included.  Carefully packed, they may also be a take-out lunch.  More often than not, it’s better to have open-faced sandwiches to be eaten right away than taking them for packed lunch. 

Protein sources for vegetable sandwiches are easy.  For one thing, there are mushrooms, which may be sautéed with onions and garlic before adding them in to the mix.  Portobello mushrooms have been great burger substitutes, and sometimes, they are made into open-faced sandwiches as well.  Beans in burritos and soft tacos also are great protein sources from plants with the same texture as meat.  Vegetable-based meat substitutes for burger patties are also available in health food stores, vegan stores, and groceries.  They are cooked the same way as meat burgers are cooked – pan fried or grilled.  Grill one veggie pattie, place it on a burger bun, top this with Monterey Jack Cheese, tomatoes, a few jalapeno peppers and lettuce leaves and you have your own spicy burger.  Fries on the side or veggie sticks and it’s an instant lunch.

Vegetables can also be roasted or grilled before placing them on ciabatta bread drizzled with garlic oil.  Cheese can then be grated on it (if you are pure vegan, then use a vegan cheese substitute).   Olives and mushrooms may be added too before toasting this or eaten as is.  To bring this sandwich to work, just wrap it in foil and place in your lunch bag and go.  The olives and cooked mushrooms give this dish an extra “meaty” texture and the roasted vegetables are not only a rainbow inside two pieces of bread, they are also a medley of different tastes and textures upon biting into the sandwich.

Vegetable sandwich recipes are still available, for those wanting to go vegetarian.  All it takes is a bit of inspiration and creativity to come up with several tasty and healthy concoctions.  Get ideas for sandwiches from video recipes online.