I can never, ever pass up the opportunity to make a recipe that involves caramelized onions. Are they a pain to make? Kind of. Do they take for-freaking-ever to cook down? Absolutely. But they are always worth it. When I was given a list of recipes from Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy
The sweet onions and thick slices of roasted red pepper paired perfectly with the salty cheese and earthy spinach. And aside from the time it took to caramelize the onions, these sandwiches were easy to make too. This is why I love Deborah Madison's cookbooks—they elevate vegetarian cooking beyond veggie lasagnas and burgers, but in a way that's not intimidating to the average cook.
Vegetable Literacy
Vegetable Literacy: Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom, with over 300 Deliciously Simple Recipes
Ingredients
- caramelized sweet onions 2 large onions is perfect—here's a post on how to caramelize onions
- 1 hefty bunch of spinach at least a pound, stems removed, leaves well washed
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 meaty roasted red peppers
- 1 piece of bread per person such as ciabatta, rye, or a whole grain levain bread
- 1 garlic clove halved
- thinly sliced manouri or ricotta salata
- olive oil to finish
Instructions
- Warm the caramelized onions in a pan over low heat.
- In another pan, wilt the spinach in the water clinging to its leaves, then season it with salt and pepper. Slice the peppers into wide strips.
- Toast the bread, then rub one side with the garlic. Cover with the onions, followed by the spinach, the cheese, then the roasted peppers set diagonally across the top.
- Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
Notes
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Vegetable Literacy for the purpose of this review. The links to Amazon in this post are affiliate links, so if you were to make a purchase from them, I would get a small percentage of the sale, which may or may not be used to purchase elegant wigs for my cats.
You had me at caramelized onion... this recipe looks so yummy especially on a cool day with toasted bread. Thanks for sharing this Keirsten! Happy Friday 🙂
Those sound fantastic - and now I totally want to run out and get the stuff to make one.
That looks delicious, it would be perfect to serve as an appetizer at a party!
I adore this book! This weekend is an all-Vegetable-Literacy-all-the-time cooking extravaganza. The tartine looks beautiful - I can't wait to try it! Like Brian said above, veggie sandwiches are so often a fail. This one definitely is not. 🙂
That sounds like my kind of weekend! 🙂
Mmmmm this is perfect food for a party!
These are beautiful! I love caramelized onions, but the time factor means I've only made them once or twice. I feel like I could eat a whole tray of these, though.
I seriously think if my fiancee had to pick three foods to eat for the rest of his life, he'd pick spinach, caramelized onions & pepper. Seriously. Obviously I'm totally making this for him!
These would totally be perfect then! 🙂
I've checked the way you caramelize the onions. Great tips, thanks!
I feel same about caramelized onions- its worth every stir and waiting by the stove top. Works so well with pizza, bread, salad yum. love the photography of this post too 🙂
That looks delicious and perfect for a weekend lunch - I shall be giving it a go this weekend for sure!
Gorgeous photos by the way!
I hope you like them if you make them! 🙂
I was all like "this looks amazing - great party food!" and then I was like "but what would really make the party amazing is if my cats were wearing wigs!
That would be the BEST party. And your cats would love it, for sure.
All of my favorite things on one sandwich!
These look really good - totally up my alley! My son and husband would probably hate this, though - such picky eaters! ~lol~
Do you have a George Foreman Grill? When I worked at a restaurant, we would caramelize onions on it! It totally cut down the time! Just slice, toss with some olive oil, salt, pepper, layer them on the grill, and close the lid! Super easy! Enjoy!
I don't have a George Foreman Grill, but I do have a Griddler! I am intrigued. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!
If this doesn't make your mouth water, you better check your pulse!
These sandwiches look amazing. I've never prepared carmelized onions, but it looks like the time is worth it!
Your recipes are superb. My husband's vegatarian and he spent 2 years eating the same dish everyday. *poor guy*
After trying your recipes, he always comes home eager to see what's on the menu and its just amazing to see that smile on his face.
thanks for sharing these lovely recipes!
Thank you for your comment--that totally makes my day! 🙂
I'm not really a fan of fresh pepper (any unprocessed capsicum family) - but the rest of it looks amazing. Would it still taste good without the pepper or do you have any recommendations for a replacement?