Hot-cold sandwiches

Warm-cold sandwiches with zucchini and pastrami

I propose a delicious and simple recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. These warm-cold sandwiches combine the fine texture of zucchini with the intense flavors of cheese and pastrami, creating a perfect balance between health and taste.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2 sandwiches

The history of the sandwich is fascinating and full of creativity. This culinary concept has evolved over time, adapting to local preferences and available ingredients. This recipe blends tradition with innovation, offering a modern twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients:
- 2 small green zucchinis
- 100 g feta cheese or cream cheese pearls
- 100 g slices of pastrami (pork, beef, or turkey, depending on preference)
- 2-3 tablespoons of hummus
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of bread (preferably whole grain or rye)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional, for frying)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by washing the zucchinis well and slicing them thinly (about 0.5 cm) to allow for even frying. Use a sharp knife to achieve uniform slices that will fry better.

2. Frying the zucchinis: In a non-stick pan, add a little olive oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and fry until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Flavoring the garlic: Once the zucchinis have taken on a nice color, remove them from the pan and place them in a small bowl. In the same pan, add the garlic slices and let them fry for a minute until fragrant, but do not let them burn. This is when the flavors combine!

4. Toasting the bread: Toast the slices of bread in a toaster or in the same pan until golden and crispy. If you prefer, you can brush them with a little olive oil before toasting for extra flavor.

5. Assembling the sandwich: On each slice of toasted bread, spread a generous layer of hummus. Then, add the fried zucchinis, slices of pastrami, and feta cheese or cream cheese pearls. If you like, you can also add a few arugula or spinach leaves for added freshness.

6. Finalizing: Cover with another slice of toasted bread. You can fry them again in the pan for a few minutes on each side if you want an even crispier sandwich.

7. Serving: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve them warm, alongside a green salad or fresh vegetables. These sandwiches are excellent both warm and cold, making them ideal for picnics or office lunches!

Useful tips:
- If you like spicy flavors, add a few slices of chili pepper or a dash of chili sauce to the hummus.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, for a different texture.
- If you want a vegetarian option, you can replace the pastrami with slices of fried tofu or mushrooms.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This sandwich is a good source of protein, thanks to the pastrami and cheese. The zucchinis add a considerable amount of fiber and vitamins, while the hummus provides healthy fats. One serving has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the chosen ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen zucchinis? I recommend fresh zucchinis for optimal texture, but you can use frozen zucchinis in an emergency.
2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans? Replace the cheese with tofu or avocado and use hummus without animal-derived ingredients.

This recipe for warm-cold sandwiches with zucchini, cheese, and pastrami is not only simple but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds. I encourage you to experiment and add your favorite ingredients to customize it to your taste! Enjoy your meal!