Ingredients
For the pesto (alternatively use store-bought pesto):
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 bunch basil leaves (about 2 cups loosely packed)
- 30 g lightly toasted pine nuts
- 25 g finely grated parmesan cheese
- 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil, or more, as needed
- Sea salt, to taste
For the lemon ricotta spread:
- 125 g ricotta
- Finely grated zest from 1 organic lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
For the grilled antipasti sandwiches:
- 1 eggplant, thinly sliced
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 sweet pointed red peppers, quartered lengthwise
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 bread rolls, split (or a baguette split and cut into 4 pieces)
- Mixed salad leaves or arugula
Instructions
To make the pesto:
- Use a circular motion to blend the ingredients using a pestle and mortar, starting with the garlic and a pinch of salt, then add the basil and work into a paste. Then add the pine nuts, then cheese and finally the olive oil. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to process the ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
To make the lemon ricotta spread:
- In a small bowl, add the ricotta, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix together until well combined. Set aside.
To grill the vegetables and bread rolls:
- Brush one side of the eggplant, zucchini and paprika with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the tabletop grill (or barbecue) over medium-high heat (on the LeMax level 8 for 5 minutes).
- Brush the surface lightly with heat-resistant oil.
- Place the vegetables on the grill, oiled side down, and brush them with a little more olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and grill for 4 minutes per side, or until softened and charred in parts. Transfer the vegetables to a serving plate.
- Place the rolls on the grill and cook for 2 minutes, or until toasted and lightly charred.
Put together your sandwiches:
- Spread some pesto on the top cut side of the sandwiches. Spread the ricotta spread on the bottom of the sandwiches and layer them with the grilled vegetables and some salad greens.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Have leftovers? Store them covered in the fridge and add them to a salad, or toss them together with some pesto and pasta, or make a pasta salad.
