Portabella, Avocado and Pepper Jack Sandwich

Portabella, Avocado and Pepper Jack Sandwich Recipe - Vegetarian Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Portabella, Avocado, and Pepper Jack Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option that is perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of meaty portabella mushrooms, creamy avocado, spicy pepper jack cheese, and tangy lemony mayonnaise creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic mushroom sandwich. Portabella mushrooms have become a popular meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans due to their hearty texture and umami flavor. The addition of avocado and pepper jack cheese adds a creamy and spicy element to the sandwich, making it a crowd-pleaser for all.

Ingredients

24 (about 2 oz (57 g) each) portabella mushroom caps
olive oil, as needed
salt, as needed
coarsely ground black pepper, as needed
2.25 cups mayonnaise
7 tbsp lemon juice, divided
8 california avocados
24 round sandwich buns
24 one-ounce slices pepper jack cheese
24 lettuce leaves
24 thin slices tomato

How to prepare

Brush each portabella cap with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Arrange the portabella caps on a sheet pan.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise with 3 tbsp of lemon juice and 1.5 tsp of pepper. Set aside.
Just before serving, peel and roughly dice avocados and toss with 4 tbsp (0.25 cup) of lemon juice.

Per order

Toast the bun.
Meanwhile, heat 1 portabella cap on the grill or in a hot frying pan.
When the bun is ready, spread 0.5 tbsp of seasoned mayonnaise on each cut side.
Place the portabella cap, stem side up, on the bottom half of the bun and fill the cap with 0.33 cup of diced avocado.
Top the avocado with 1 slice of cheese.
Heat in a hot oven until the cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes.
Top with 1 lettuce leaf, 1 slice of tomato, and the top half of the bun.

Variations

Add sliced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
Substitute the pepper jack cheese with cheddar or Swiss for a milder flavor.
Use whole wheat buns or bread for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush the portabella caps with oil before cooking to prevent them from sticking to the grill or pan.

- Toasting the bun before assembling the sandwich adds a nice crunch and helps hold all the ingredients together.

- Heating the sandwich in the oven after assembling helps melt the cheese and warm up the avocado for a gooey and delicious bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sandwich with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. It also pairs well with sweet potato fries or a cup of fresh fruit.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the portabella mushrooms adds a smoky flavor to the sandwich, but you can also cook them in a hot frying pan or roast them in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have portabella mushrooms, you can use button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms instead. You can also substitute the avocado with mashed chickpeas or hummus for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the seasoned mayonnaise and diced avocado ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Store the avocado in an airtight container with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or microgreens for a beautiful presentation. You can also cut them in half and arrange them on a wooden board for a rustic look.

Pairing Recommendations

This sandwich pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this sandwich contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this sandwich contains approximately 38 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this sandwich contains approximately 32 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this sandwich contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This sandwich is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C from the lemon juice and avocado, as well as potassium and fiber from the avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs (mayonnaise) and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This sandwich is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

This Portabella, Avocado, and Pepper Jack Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With a mix of meaty mushrooms, creamy avocado, spicy cheese, and tangy mayonnaise, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I was walking back to my car, I heard a faint voice calling out to me.

"Excuse me, ma'am, would you be interested in trying a new recipe for a delicious sandwich?" the voice asked.

I turned around to see a friendly older gentleman sitting at a small booth, surrounded by crates of ripe avocados, vibrant red peppers, and plump portabella mushrooms. Intrigued by his offer, I approached the booth and listened as he began to describe the ingredients and preparation for his signature Portabella, Avocado, and Pepper Jack Sandwich.

The man explained that he had learned this recipe from his grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. He spoke with such passion and enthusiasm that I couldn't help but be drawn in. As he detailed the steps and techniques for creating the perfect sandwich, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

I knew right then and there that I had to try this recipe for myself. I purchased the ingredients from the man and thanked him for sharing his family's culinary tradition with me. As I drove home, I couldn't wait to get into my kitchen and start cooking.

Once I arrived home, I unpacked the fresh produce and carefully laid out each ingredient on my countertop. I followed the man's instructions to the letter, slicing the avocado, roasting the peppers, and grilling the portabella mushrooms to perfection. The aromas that filled my kitchen were intoxicating, and I knew that I was in for a treat.

As I assembled the sandwich, layering the creamy avocado slices, smoky peppers, and gooey Pepper Jack cheese between two slices of crusty bread, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple yet delicious this recipe was. Each component complemented the others perfectly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

I took a bite of the sandwich and closed my eyes, savoring the explosion of taste in my mouth. The creamy avocado melded with the spicy Pepper Jack, while the earthy portabella mushrooms added a meaty depth to the dish. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire.

I shared the sandwich with my family, who all raved about its deliciousness. They couldn't believe that such a simple recipe could yield such incredible results. I proudly told them about the man at the farmer's market and how his grandmother's recipe had inspired me to create this culinary masterpiece.

From that day on, the Portabella, Avocado, and Pepper Jack Sandwich became a beloved dish in our household. I made it for special occasions, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday lunches. Each time I prepared it, I thought of the kind man at the farmer's market and his grandmother who had passed down this recipe through the generations.

In a way, this sandwich had become more than just a dish to me. It was a connection to the past, a link to a family tradition that had been lovingly preserved and shared with me. I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and honored to carry on its legacy in my own kitchen.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day at the farmer's market, I can't help but smile. The Portabella, Avocado, and Pepper Jack Sandwich will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste but for the memories and stories that it represents. And for that, I am eternally grateful.