Chicken Pesto Panini

Time: 20 minutes

Get your protein intake sorted with this juicy and delicious panini which is not only easy to make but is super healthy. Packed with tender and juicy chicken bites, cheesy mozzarella, fresh herbs, the tangy pesto deliciousness and then cooked to a beautiful golden… there’s nothing better than this! Not only is this sandwich beginner friendly, but it can be served with a variety of substitutions, perfect for when you have leftovers.

Ingredients for pesto sauce:

• Basil Leaves: 2 cups
• Garlic: 3 cloves
• Nuts: ½ cup (pine/walnut/any other substitution)
• Lemon: 1 (or lemon juice)
• Parmesan cheese: optional

Note: You can always substitute the home-made pesto sauce (which stores up to a week, btw) with store-bought ones.

Ingredients for sandwich:

• Chicken: breasts/thighs, whatever you like
• Bread: 2-3 slices of sourdough/focaccia/regular sandwich bread
• Spinach or Arugula: handful
• Tomato: 1, thinly sliced
• Onion: 1, thinly sliced
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pesto sauce: 2 tbsp

Preparation for pesto:

1. Toast the nuts for around 20 seconds and allow them to cool.
2. Wash your basil thoroughly.
3. Blend the toasted nuts, basil leaves, and garlic with 2-4 tbsp olive oil (Optional: parmesan cheese).
4. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Preparation for sandwich:

1. Coat your chicken with spices and cook on medium to high heat till it softens. If you have some time, you can marinate the chicken for 15 minutes.
2. Assemble your panini by spreading pesto on the bread and adding the chicken, onion, tomato, mozzarella, and spinach/arugula.
3. Toast your panini on the same stove (so it soaks up all the juices and you save time and hassle) till it becomes golden brown and the cheese is properly melted.

Pro Tip: You can add pickled onions, sautéed mushrooms and capsicums, or a side dip made with mint. Serve hot and enjoy!

Beans and Avocado Sandwich

Time: 10 minutes

This is for a vegetarian option that is still very nutritious. This beans and avocado sandwich is the perfect mixture of creamy, hearty, and nutritious. Packed with the nutrient goodness of protein-high beans, buttery avocados rich in healthy fats and fiber, and refreshing greens, it is the best way to start your day!

It is super easy and quick to make, the only thing you need to remember is that the beans have to be soaked overnight and then boiled. You can substitute with canned beans, but they are not as nutritious as the ones you have right at home.

Ingredients:

• Beans: ¼ cup of cooked beans (black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, even chickpeas or whatever you have)
• Avocado: ½, ripe to be mashed or sliced
• Bread: 2 slices of multigrain or sourdough
• Tomato: 2 thin slices
• Onions: 2 thin slices
• Spinach/Arugula/Lettuce: small handful
• Cheese: mozzarella, feta, slice, shredded or anything you have

For tanginess, you can add either one of these:

• Pickled vegetables like onion or cucumber
• Pesto sauce
• Mustard like Dijon or honey mustard

Preparation:

1. Toss the beans in a pan on medium heat with some olive oil and season it to your liking (salt, pepper, chili, lemon juice, vinegar, and soy sauce).
2. Toast the bread on both sides with butter in the same pan until the bread is slightly golden brown in colour. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes if preferred.
3. After mashing the avocado, add a drizzle of olive oil, oregano, and lemon juice. You can also slice the avocado instead of mashing it. Season this mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the sandwich according to your preference. Spread the sauce you chose, such as pesto, mustard, or ketchup.
5. Arrange your greens (spinach, lettuce, or arugula). Then add the veggies (tomato slices followed by onion slices). Finally, incorporate the beans and avocado. Add your pickles if desired.

Result: A creamy, nutrient-rich sandwich that is easy to make and oh so tasty!

Red Cabbage and Tofu Sandwich

Time: 25 minutes
Many people do not choose tofu as their preferred protein of choice because they struggle to prepare it. However, tofu is not only high in proteins but it is low in calories as well. Combining tofu to any meal enhances the taste of those meals and is a great substitute for any non vegetarian option. This sandwich is crunchy leafy goodness packed with some creamy tofu; a delicious combination overall! There are many children (and be honest, adults as well) who don’t enjoy the taste of veggies. This recipe is a great way to make them fall in love with it!

Ingredients:

• Bread: 2 slices of whole grain or sourdough
• Tofu: ½ block
• Red Cabbage: 1 cup, shredded
• Capsicum: 1 (any colour), thinly sliced
• Mushrooms: 15 gm, sliced
• Onion: 1, thinly sliced
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp

Optional:

• Maple Syrup or Agave: 1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds: 1 tsp
• Pesto/Hummus/any other spread

Preparation:

1. Prepare your tofu by draining excess moisture (wrap it in a muslin cloth, put a heavy object on it, and let the water out), then slice it in thin strips.
2. In a pan, add olive oil on medium heat followed by your sliced tofu. Let it cook properly and season it with salt and pepper. When it is golden brown, it's ready.
3. In the same pan, sauté your veggies in olive oil and seasonings for 2 minutes. Add mushrooms, top it with vinegar and soy sauce, and give it a good mix for another minute.
4. While your veggies cook, add the red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (if you have it), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss well and let it sit for a while.
5. Check if all the veggies are properly cooked and covered in seasoning, then take the veggies off your pan.
6. Combine all the ingredients in the red cabbage bowl and sprinkle some sesame seeds for a crunch if you feel like it.
7. Assemble the sandwich with all the ingredients. Add tahini/pesto/hummus or any other base sauce. Add a dash of lemon juice if desired and serve.

Mushroom and Avocado Sandwich

Time: 10 minutes
We have already made our regular mushroom sandwich whenever we want that earthy flavor that only mushrooms can provide. This sandwich is going to be your new favourite in case you are a mushroom lover like me. This is an elevated version of the familiar mushroom sandwich but more rich and creamy. Confused about what to have as a quick lunch or what to serve in a high tea you are hosting? This is the answer you have been waiting for. Feel free to add some fries or chips with this sandwich for some extra crunch!

Ingredients:

• Sourdough or multigrain bread: 2 slices
• Avocado: ½ ripe to slice or mash
• Mushrooms: 20 gms (1 cup)
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Red lettuce
• Cheddar cheese: 1 slice
• Pickles: 3-4
• Spread: mayo/hummus/mustard/pesto

Preparation:

1. In a medium heat pan, add butter and olive oil (½ tsp each) followed by minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Add seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, soy sauce, vinegar).
2. Remove the mushrooms after 2-3 minutes (or until they become golden brown) and toast the bread in butter.
3. Assemble your sandwich by adding a generous spread followed by mushrooms, avocado (sliced or mashed), cheese, pickles, and then another layer of avocado. Serve with a side of fries or chips.

Smoked Salmon and Eggs Open Bagel Sandwich

Time: 15 minutes
A delicious breakfast recipe made to be enjoyed hot on the table. The smokey, creamy and delicious sandwich is easy to make and highly nutritious. Perfect for a lazy Sunday!

Ingredients:

• Bread: 2 slices of sourdough or multigrain (or sliced bagel for a gourmet kick)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Smoked Salmon: 2 oz, thinly sliced
• Cream cheese: 1 tbsp, softened
• Dill: fresh, 1 tsp (thyme or parsley works as substitutes)
• Tomato: 2 thin slices
• Chives: 1 tsp, chopped
• Chili oil: 1 tsp

Preparation:

1. Prepare your eggs sunny side up, scrambled, or boiled depending on your preference. For sunny side up, heat a pan on high, add equal parts olive oil and butter, and crack the eggs on top. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Toast the bread or bagel in butter till golden brown.
3. In a bowl, mix tomatoes, smoked salmon, cream cheese, chives, and dill. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Toss them well.
4. Assemble the preparation on the bread/bagel. Top each with the sunny side egg and drizzle chili oil for a spicy kick (optional).