Veggie Pita Club Sandwich Recipe

"A nice twist on a club sandwich, but strictly 'veggie' - using fresh summer vegetables. I have a few friends that are vegetarian; and, some that try to eat "meatless," now and then; so, I like to have these options available to me. Also, with catering ... I do get vegetarian requests quite often, and this is a perfect lunch dish/or light dinner. For the condiments, I did purchase a store bought hummus and pesto, in order to make this easy and quick to prepare. However, you could always make your own. The secret to this recipe is to slice everything very thin. I like to use a mandolin; however, if you have a little patience, they can easily be sliced by hand. This recipe makes 2 sandwiches; which I feel feeds 4 - especially serving this for lunch or a light dinner."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Pita Bread ... Pre-heat the oven to broil, or a grill pan to medium high heat. Brush the pita lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly broil, for just a couple of minutes - until warm, and lightly toasted. YOU DO NOT want it crisp, just warmed - and toasted. Remove and let it cool.

Step 2

Vegetables ... I used my mandolin; you can also use a food processor too. Or, cut by hand if you want. The idea is that everything should be very thin sliced or shredded; same with the cheese. I got my cheese sliced at the deli.

Step 3

Hummus and Pesto ... You can easily make your own; but, to make this easy - I just purchased a store bought hummus and pesto.There is some decent brands out there. Many store delis make there own as well.

Step 4

Sandwiches ... It is very simple. Spread the first pita with hummus; then, add 2-3 lettuce leaves, 3 slices of cheese, cucumber, carrots, and radishes. Then, spread another pita with hummus and place (hummus side down) on the filling. Top that pita with pesto, 2-3 lettuce leaves, 3 slices of cheese, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and 2-3 more lettuce leaves. Finish with the last pita spread with pesto. Then, I like to place a heavy pan on the sandwich, filled with a couple of cans, for 15 minutes, to press the sandwich before serving.

Step 5

Serve ... Then, make sure to secure the layers with 4 toothpics, or small skewers, and cut in 4 pieces. This is a healthy, yet hearty and filling sandwich. One half I feel is enough for lunch or light dinner. Make a creamy leek or potato soup; or even zucchini soup on the side. Even a fresh gazpacho would be wonderful. ENJOY!