A vegetarian, upgraded version of a classic BLT. A juicy and flavorful sandwich that is very easy to prepare.
Prep 5 minutesmins
Cook 10 minutesmins
Total Time 15 minutesmins
Servings 2sandwiches
Ingredients
Avocado crema
2ripe avocadosskin and pit removed
juice from 1/2 lime
1/4teaspoonsea saltmore to taste
1/4teaspoonground cuminmore to taste
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
60g1/4 cup Greek yogurt (full fat preferable)
60g1/4 cup sour cream
Sandwich
1-2tablespoonsoilI use sunflower, but olive is fine too
250g9 oz Halloumi cheese
100g3.5 oz / small loaf Ciabatta bread
handful of baby spinach
large heirloom tomatosliced
small bunch of fresh basil
Instructions
First make the avocado crema
Combine all ingredients in a food processor (or a bowl and use an immersion blender). Blend on medium speed until the ingredients come together and the mixture is smooth. Taste to see if you need more salt, lime juice or cumin. Transfer avocado crema to a jar and keep covered while you prepare the rest.
Pour oil into a non stick pan and set over medium-high heat. Slice halloumi lengthwise into 4 thin pieces and place all in the pan (do it in batches if you have a smaller pan). Cook each slice for a few minutes or until it’s golden brown, then flip over and cook until the other side is deep golden too. Transfer to a plate.
Assemble sandwiches:
Halve ciabatta loaf lengthwise then cut into 2, so you get 2 sandwiches. Take the first, open it and spread avocado crema over each inner side. Place some spinach on the bottom bread layer. Top it with 2 slices of halloumi, then 1-2 slices of tomato, then a few leaves of basil, more spinach and lastly cover it with the top half of ciabatta. Repeat with the other portion.
Serve, ideally with a side of leftover avocado crema and some tortilla chips. (And a drink, if you’re feeling it.)
Notes
While I think baby spinach is the best fit, you can experiment and add more or different greens to the sandwich, like butter lettuce or arugula.To make this vegan: Skip yogurt and sour cream in avocado crema and make it without. Substitute halloumi for tofu.