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Fast & Easy Dinner: Spanish Grilled Sandwiches

partysugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:28:33 -0700

I make dinner sandwiches at least once a week because there are endless varieties and they come together quickly. I'm always looking for new ways to combine bread, vegetables, meats, and cheese, so imagine how ecstatic I was when I discovered this recipe for Spanish grilled sandwiches. Who knew that two of my favorite things - Spain and sandwiches - could come together in such a scrumptious way?
In this case, a marinated vegetable relish jazzes up a hearty sandwich. Take a look at the recipe, just read more

Spanish Grilled Sandwiches
From Better Homes & Garden magazine
Source

1 6-1/2-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts
1 7-ounce jar roasted red sweet peppers, drained and cut into strips (about 1 cup)
2/3 cup jalapeno-stuffed olives, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
4 sandwich rolls, such as pan cubano, bolillos, teleras (about 6-1/2x3 inches), hoagie buns, or two 8-inch Italian flat breads (focaccia), split in half horizontally
1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef or roast pork
8 ounces sliced provolone cheese
4 teaspoons olive oil

Drain artichokes, reserving marinade; thinly slice artichokes.
Combine artichokes, reserved marinade, peppers, olives, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, and cumin. If using focaccia, cut in half crosswise. Arrange marinated vegetables, meat, and cheese over bottom halves of rolls. Add tops of rolls.
Coat a very large skillet with 2 teaspoons of the oil. Heat skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Add 2 sandwiches. Cover sandwiches with foil; weight sandwiches with a large heavy skillet, bacon press, or foil-covered brick.
Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through, turning sandwiches over once and replacing foil and weight. Reduce heat to medium-low, if necessary. Transfer to a serving plate. Keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and sandwiches.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

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'Wich of the Week: Spanish Monte Cristo

partysugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:08 -0700

I'm not much of a Monte Cristo fan. The classic sandwich straddles breakfast and lunch by placing ham, turkey, and cheese between two slices of French toast. The entire thing is topped with powdered sugar and jam resulting in a dish that to me, is messy and too sweet.

However, when I came across this Serrano ham and manchego cheese variation, my love for all things Spanish overcame me, and I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did, this sandwich is wonderful!

The quince paste isn't as cloying as strawberry preserves and the addition of mustard provides a delightfully savory tang. Although the bread is dipped in egg before being placed in the saute pan, it tastes more like a really crispy grilled ham and cheese than French toast. To check out the recipe, read more.

Spanish Ham and Cheese Monte Cristo Sandwiches
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

8 1/2-inch-thick slices sourdough or country-style French bread (each about 5 x 3 inches)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
6 ounces Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
2 ounces thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto
4 tablespoons membrillo (quince paste) or quince preserves
4 large eggs
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

Directions

Arrange 4 bread slices on work surface. Spread each with 1/2 tablespoon mustard. Top each with 1/4 of cheese, then 1/4 of ham, folding to fit.
Spread 1 tablespoon quince paste on each of remaining 4 bread slices; place bread, paste side down, atop ham.
Beat eggs in pie dish until well blended.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in each of 2 large skillets over medium-low heat.
Working with 1 sandwich at a time, hold sandwiches tightly closed and dip into beaten eggs to coat on all sides. Place 2 sandwiches in each skillet.
Cover and cook until bottoms are golden, about 4 minutes. Turn sandwiches over. Cover and cook until bottoms are golden, cheese is melted, and egg coating is cooked through, about 4 minutes longer.

Serves 4.

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Bobby Flay's Sandwich Tips

partysugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:00:01 -0700

Yesterday we brought you a fun little video of Bobby Flay making sandwiches, and today we've got his tips for crafting the best 'wich! While Flay is known for his superior grill skills, he's also a sponsor for Best Foods mayonnaise and a master of sandwich making. Here's how the Iron Chef recommends building a better sandwich:

When a sandwich contains several moist ingredients (mayonnaise, tomatoes, etc), use a thick, crusty bread like ciabatta.
When putting together a simple sandwich with fewer ingredients, like ham and cheese, select thinly sliced bread.

Get the rest of Flay's fabulous suggestions when you read more.

For sandwiches on the go, separate the elements: Put the bread in one baggy, the condiments in a small Tupperware or squirt bottle, and the veggies in another baggy. Assemble just before eating.
Get creative! Instead of using lettuce, opt for other crunchy vegetables. When they come in contact with oil-based condiments, sliced cucumber and fennel won't wilt or turn soggy.
Add a kick to any sandwich with strong flavors like smoked Spanish paprika, fresh ground black pepper, chili powder, or fresh lime juice.
Make sure your sandwich is full of color. Incorporate fresh vibrant elements such as parsley leaves, finely diced red onions, or green, yellow, and red peppers.
Don't forget to have fun with your ingredients! Who says you can’t enjoy the crunch of blue corn chips on your sandwich? Why not include chopped toasted walnuts or pecans? How about dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins? The sky is the limit.
Think outside the box. By adding a creamy lemon-chive vinaigrette, you can take the classic egg sandwich from breakfast to dinner.
Make your own custom sauces. Jazz up store-made condiments with fresh herbs, citrus juice, horseradish, roasted tomatoes, olives, or chiles.

How do you make the ultimate sandwich? Share your tips with us below!

Source

Say Cheese! Manchego Pizza With Chorizo and Shrimp

partysugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:00:06 -0800

My obsession with all things Spanish is no secret. From José Andrés to Crianza to paella, if it's Spanish, I love it! This affection includes manchego, Spain's most famous cheese. Manchego cheese is protected by a Denominación de Origen, meaning it can only be made from sheep that graze in the La Mancha region of Spain. The whole sheep's milk cheese must also be aged in natural caves for a minimum of two months.

Depending on how long it's aged, the flavor can range from mild to sharp. Manchego comes in a round shape and is cut into chunky wedges. The inedible rind gets its pattern from the manufacturing process that involves wrapping the cheese in sheets of a special woven grass. Manchego tastes creamy and slightly salty. Learn how to use the versatile Spanish cheese and check out the recipe for this scrumptious pizza when you read more.

For a simple snack, pair manchego slices with crackers, olives, and jamon Serrano. Shave on salads and roasted vegetables, or as Yum suggested yesterday, enjoy in a turkey sandwich with pear butter. Manchego is also a great cheese for melting. It can be used in quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or in my case, on pizza!

Although there only four ingredients in this pizza, the flavors combine sensationally.

The tangy manchego complements the bitterness of the escarole and the spiciness of the chorizo. The shrimp is an exciting addition. I definitely plan on making this tasty pie again.

Manchego Pizza With Chorizo and Shrimp
Modified from Food and Wine

Ingredients

1 large ball of refrigerated pizza dough
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 head escarole, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded (2 cups)
1/2 pound medium shrimp-shelled, deveined and halved lengthwise
1 1/2 ounces firm chorizo, thinly sliced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 500°F. If you have one, set your pizza stone on the bottom of the oven to heat for at least 30 minutes.
On a floured work surface, divide the dough in half and roll each half into a ball. Roll out 1 disk of dough to an 11-inch round. Transfer to a floured pizza peel or other baking sheet.

Prepare the toppings: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 1 minute. Add the escarole and cook, tossing, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Lightly brush the edge of the dough with olive oil. Scatter half of the Manchego over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edge, then top with half of the shrimp, chorizo and escarole.

Slide the pizza onto the hot stone (or baking sheet) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is browned on the bottom, the shrimp is cooked through and the other toppings are sizzling. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Repeat with the remaining dough and toppings.

Serves 4.*

*When I made this pizza, I halved the recipe.

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'Wich of the Week: Super Chicken Torta

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:13:35 -0700

Though most of you will probably celebrate Cinco de Mayo this weekend, I have already marked the occasion by devouring a torta, and looking at the photos again makes me want to eat another one right now. Similar to a submarine sandwich, the torta originated in Mexico, though you can get them at many taquerias in the States. The sandwich features your choice of meat, served on a white roll called a telera or a bolillo and typically garnished with avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

For my first-ever torta, I visited Super Tortas when I was down in Los Angeles. After all, this family business, which has three stores in LA, specializes in tortas, and I figured if I was trying a new sandwich, I might as well start with one that calls itself "super." For more photos and details, read more.

Super Tortas owner Sacramento Guerrero recommended the house specialty, grilled ribeye, but having eaten my weight in sandwiches the day before, I opted for shredded chicken. It was indeed super - not just in size, but also in execution. Though the sandwich looks pretty basic - this one didn't even have tomatoes - it was actually very complex in its mix of flavors and textures.

Liberally seasoned with pepper, the shredded chicken was hot, juicy, and not the slightest bit greasy, which was a nice surprise. Chopped bell pepper and onions added an extra kick, and the guacamole was to die for, its creaminess was a lush contrast to the crisp, cool lettuce. But the pièce de résistance (anyone know how to say that in Spanish?) was the toasted bun. As you can see from the photos, it was grilled on top to a toasty brown, and the bread in the middle was still soft and chewy like the best white bread.

After my Super Tortas experience, I can't believe I've gone this long without eating tortas. If you've also been depriving yourself, I highly recommend trying one. The chicken was delicious, but torta fans also rave about the Milanesa, or breaded steak, variety. Have you eaten a torta? If so, tell me what you thought.