We all love the classic grilled cheese sandwich that we grew up with, but why not try for something more gourmet. This one has flavourful veggies, surrounded with creamy melted mozzarella and nutty pesto— you’ll travel by taste to Italy! You can make these on the barbecue or in a cast iron skillet.

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Rustic Vegetable Toastie Recipe
Yields4 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time30 mins
 8 slices rustic white bread
 8 aubergine, sliced into rounds (8 slices)
 1 capsicum, quartered and deseeded
 avocado oil & garlic, for brushing
 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
 ½ cup basil pesto with parmesan and roasted pine nuts
 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
 salt
1

Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat. Brush the aubergine slices with oil, sprinkle with salt, and place on the barbecue with the capsicum. Cook each side for five minutes, until well cooked, then set aside.

2

Arrange four slices of bread on a work surface. Spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of pesto, then a handful of spinach, then top with aubergine, capsicum, plenty of torn mozzarella, and a slice of bread.

3

On a side burner of the barbecue (or over the stove), heat a cast iron skillet to medium-low. Drizzle the pan with oil. Working in batches, place the sandwiches in and cook each side until golden and the mozzarella is melted. Yum.

Ingredients

 8 slices rustic white bread
 8 aubergine, sliced into rounds (8 slices)
 1 capsicum, quartered and deseeded
 avocado oil & garlic, for brushing
 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
 ½ cup basil pesto with parmesan and roasted pine nuts
 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
 salt

Directions

1

Preheat the barbecue to medium-high heat. Brush the aubergine slices with oil, sprinkle with salt, and place on the barbecue with the capsicum. Cook each side for five minutes, until well cooked, then set aside.

2

Arrange four slices of bread on a work surface. Spread each slice of bread with a generous amount of pesto, then a handful of spinach, then top with aubergine, capsicum, plenty of torn mozzarella, and a slice of bread.

3

On a side burner of the barbecue (or over the stove), heat a cast iron skillet to medium-low. Drizzle the pan with oil. Working in batches, place the sandwiches in and cook each side until golden and the mozzarella is melted. Yum.

Rustic vegetable toastie