Ojai Portabello Sandwiches
Dear SOS: I am a new fan of the portabello mushroom after having the portabello mushroom sandwich at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai. Can you persuade the Inn to share the recipe?
Aliza Chalapong
Rowland Heights
Dear Aliza: What a good idea for a special lunch or late supper. You can grill the vegetables and prepare the spread ahead of time, leaving only the assembly for the last minute. Also, keep the spread in mind as a dip for raw or steamed vegetables.
Sun-dried tomato spread
Soften tomatoes in hot water 15 minutes. Drain, then blend with garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise and cheese in blender until smooth. Set aside.
Sandwiches
Toss mushrooms, eggplants, zucchini, yellow squash and onion with oil, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Divide vegetables into 2 batches. Place first batch on grill rack over medium-high heat and grill, turning over halfway, until softened and slightly charred but still intact, about 10 minutes. (Vegetables can also be broiled; keep an eye on them and turn them over halfway through.) Lay flat on baking sheet to cool. Repeat with second batch. (Vegetables can be refrigerated for later use at this point).
Spread bread slices with Sun-Dried Tomato Spread. Top half bread slices with grilled vegetables, lettuce and tomato slices, dividing evenly. Top with remaining bread slices. Cut in half and serve.
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