National Sandwich Day + Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich Recipe

November 3, 2020

Today is National Sandwich Day. Oh, right, and today is also known for another reason you may have heard just a little about… Election Day 2020. Coincidence? Probably. Although… if you–like me–think Election Day is going to be a Very. Long. Day, then maybe a sandwich is just what you need to keep energy levels up for keeping up with the polls.

 

According to History.com, the sandwich–as we know it today–was coined in mid-1700’s England after the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu. Folklore has it that the Earl would spend hours gambling, and he asked the cook to whip up something he could easily nosh while gambling. Apparently, the Earl of Sandwich was so fond of this meat-sandwiched-between-two-bread-slices creation that he ate it quite frequently. And, ultimately, this hand-held meal was named after him. However, the concept of a sandwich had existed in the Mediterranean long before Mr. Montagu.

And while historical records and cookbooks show it took this country a few decades to accept this popularized British food, the sandwich now rules the American lunch. And, dinner. And, breakfast. In fact, we love sandwiches so much so that it’s estimated Americans eat more than 3 million sandwiches a day! (Yes, that’s a LOT of sandwich-eating!)

So in honor of the Mediterranean heritage of this British-based American favorite, I created this Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. This vegetarian hand-held is loaded with plant-based goodness. It’s rich in dietary fiber for heart and gut health, folate for heart and baby health, vitamin C for immune health and vitamin K for bone health and proper blood clotting. Best of all, this sandwich comes together in about 15 minutes and makes a tasty, plant-based and power-packed meal, whether for lunch or dinner. Serve alongside a cup of tomato soup or a piece of fruit for a complete meal.

 

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich

This vegetarian sandwich comes together in about 15 minutes and makes a tasty and power packed lunch. Rich in folate, potassium, dietary fiber, protein and vitamins C and K, this sandwich will please even meat lovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoon olive oil, divided
  • 1 each red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 each zucchini, sliced
  • 1 each yellow squash, sliced
  • 4 slices whole grain bread
  • 2 tablespoons hummus
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add peppers, zucchini and squash; cook for 5 minutes.
  • While vegetables are cooking, toast bread lightly in toaster. Spread hummus evenly on top of all four bread slices. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, vinegar and oregano.
  • Top hummus with sauteed vegetables, then evenly sprinkle on feta cheese and top with spinach. Place one slice of toast on top of each sandwich.
Keyword sandwich

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