So you know how they say advertising works, makes you want something? Well, this sandwich was not inspired by an ad, but by the always brilliant Mario Batali.
I made it home from my Dad’s and his errands by noon yesterday, and sat down with Basil to watch The Chew (aside from not liking the name, I like the show!).
If I am being honest, I was in and out of snoozing since I had been up since 4am. I opened my eyes to see Mario with a pan of mushrooms, telling us not to turn the mushrooms. If you turn them too soon, they dehydrate and poach. If you leave them alone, they brown and crisp.
I did exactly this, and it was decadent.
See the golden brown on one side (just after finally turning them)? Crispy goodness.
I made them the star of my lunch.
bella, pepper and arugula sandwich
dairy and soy free, vegan
makes two sandwiches
1 tablespoon butter (Earth Balance soy free)
5 baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
4 pieces roasted red pepper, sliced
2 handfuls arugula leaves
4 slices vegan mozzarella
roasted garlic bean spread
baguette, cut in half and sliced lengthwise
In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add mushroom slices. Do not turn mushrooms, allow to brown for several minutes, until crispy crunchy browned. While mushrooms are browning, prepare sandwich: spread generous layer of roasted garlic bean spread over both sides bread, top with arugula leaves. Place cheese slices over arugula, top with layer of warm mushrooms to melt cheese. Follow with roasted red pepper slices and remaining mushrooms, if any.
These flavors are great together – and the new Mario technique of crisping the ‘shrooms is a good one, indeed. Serve with a salad of peppery arugula, you have a spicy flavorful lunch – enjoy!
Have you cooked something based on a television show or advertisement?
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh can’t wait to see what the spread recipe is. Love bellas with roasted red bell peppers. What a fantastic spring sandwich
If I had to name a handful of my favorite ingredients, all of those in this recipe would have made the list. That baguette alone looks incredible, so I believe it is now my mission this weekend to find something similar. Holy yum, for lack of a more “mature” description.
I don’t know that I’ve ever tried a recipe based solely on a TV ad, but there’s not doubt it influences my own variations on things. Mostly because they remind me of things I like that I normally wouldn’t think of, which I guess is the point!
I do hope you’ve completed your mission – and your resulting sandwich is tasty!
I was reading a magazine (VegNews I think?) yesterday that had all kinds of shroom recipes in it and now I see these…I am craving them now!
I know – it was an instant craving that I HAD to fulfill!
That looks incredible! I love Mario. Someday soon, E and I are going to make it up to Mario’s parents shop in Seattle, Salumi. Every time we have driven by, there is a line around the block. I would love to meet him someday too, he reminds me of my older brother. I am ashamed to say, that the only thing I have made after seeing it done on T.V was a Paula Deen recipe! (Gooey Butter Cake) LOL. BTW It was freaking fabulous. XOXO
I know, each time I’ve been by it’s a LONG wait as well. just like the original Starbucks location in the Market – just crazy.
we LOVE his restaurant with Joe Bastianich in Vegas – B&B Ristorante – if you find yourself there, DO make a reservation!
I’d say this post is better than an ad for this sandwich. GREG
why thank you, Greg!
I know it wouldn’t be vegan, but my dairy-loving heart wants that sandwich with a smear of goat cheese. Heavenly!
I KNOW!! goat cheese is my FAVORITE, and I recently had some after a long hiatus. it was lovely and perfect and amazing.
hmm… maybe next time this sandwich will have that – great flavor pairing!
If you’re having this for lunch today, I will be right over! Totally my kind of meal right there.
I can’t say that I’ve made an actual meal from a tv show, but I find so much inspiration from food shows especially Jamie Oliver. I love everything he does in the kitchen.
squeee, I would be doing a happy dance if you were coming for lunch!
I love Jamie Oliver too… I love his crazy work-shed looking kitchen with the garden in back!
This, right here, will be on my grocery list TONIGHT. What a great combo!
oh, good! I hope you love it as much as we did!
yum, yum YUM. that is all.
right? I know.
LOVE this sandwich! Looks delicious and I love that dip recipe too! Will try this soon!
When I still ate bread, I used to love veggie sandwiches like this.
Hm, I think I never cooked anything from a tv show, actually.
this looks like the perfect sandwich, yes! I love all bean spread, a good garlic one especial. thank you for recipe
mmm…this sandwich is making me daydream in the library I am right now. This looks incredibly good.
thank you, Lysa! glad I could distract you a bit? hope you try it soon – it’s a good one!
sounds positively delish – garlic is a favorite and portabelas too
this was lunch over the weekend, yummlo! (ha, I meant to write yummo, but I like that even more! thanks for great recipes!
this looks so good!!
we made these sandwiches for dinner, perfect for summer with more arugula as a salad! I dont have tahini, but the garlic spread was delicious even without it. thanks for the inspiration!
thank you, Chandra! so happy you liked them! glad the spread works without the tahini, too!