Grilled Portobello and Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Green Olive Pesto
by Lauren Chattman
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This panini-style sandwich pairs the earthy flavor of the portobellos with the mild, tangy goat cheese and salty olive pesto.Serves four.
1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup pitted green olives, such as manzanilla, coarsely chopped
1 Tbs. walnuts or pine nuts
1 small clove garlic, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 small to medium portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills removed, and wiped clean
4 soft round rolls, such as Portuguese or kaiser, split in half
4 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Alternatively, heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat.)
While the press is heating, put the basil, olives, nuts, and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped. With the motor running, add 6 Tbs. of the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube and continue to process until thick and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Brush the mushrooms with 2 Tbs. of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put them on the press, pull the top down, and cook until softened and browned, 3 to 5 minutes (or cook in the grill pan, flipping once). Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
Spread the pesto on the bottom halves of the rolls. Put 2 mushrooms on each and then some cheese. Top the sandwiches with the other halves of the rolls. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with the remaining 2 tsp. oil.
Put the sandwiches on the press pesto side up, pull the top down, and cook until browned and crisp and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how hot your machine is. (If using a grill pan, put a heavy pan on top of the sandwiches and cook, turning the sandwiches over once.) Carefully remove from the press and serve.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
590;
Fat
(kcal):
42;
Fat Calories
(g):
370;
Saturated Fat
(g):
9;
Protein
(g):
15;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
26;
Carbohydrates
(g):
40;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
6;
Sodium
(mg):
1010;
Cholesterol
(mg):
15;
Fiber
(g):
4;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 98, pp. 64
March 5, 2009
