Vegan Bell Pepper Pesto Panini

This is known also as The Montreal Panini by Honey, What’s Cooking, which was inspired by a delicious sandwich from a little cafe in Montreal named Claude Postel. We have been enjoying this recipe for our lunches lately. It is quick and easy to make and very tasty.

Yield: 5-6 slices

Ingredients:

for the panini:

• Vegan basil pesto (see below)
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 Yellow bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 slices whole grain bread
• 1-2 ounces vegan cheese, grated

for the vegan basil pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Directions:

Make the pesto first as that takes the longest time.

to make the vegan pesto:

1. Place the basil, olive oil and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Pulse the machine to puree the basil.
2. When the basil has become pureed, add the walnut pieces, garlic, salt and pepper.
3. Season to taste.

to make the panini:

1. Slice the bell pepper in long thin slices.
2. Saute the pepper slices until slightly soft, yet still crisp.
3. Toast the slices of bread.
4. Place a generous portion of peppers on each piece of toast.
5. Place the slices on a cookie sheet and sprinkle the grated vegan cheese on top of each slice.
6. Warm in the oven until the cheese is slightly melted. (5-7 minutes).
7. Remove from the oven and drizzle the vegan basil pesto on top.

Notes:

The original recipe was very easy to adapt to be vegan.