Grilled Gruyere-and-Zucchini Sandwiches

I'm always looking out for great vegitarian dishes and this sandwich looked tasty. We also happened to have one lonely zucchini in our garden and I just had to try this one. It's out of Food & Wine magazine (June 2009).

This was a very simple but very tasty gourmet panini-like sandwich. The gruyere was a little pricey ($6 for 6 sandwiches) but worth it and since it didn't have meat you need a full flavor cheese to pair with the zucchini. You could easily substitute a good Swiss if you don't want to splurge on gruyere though. If you don't have access to a grill, you could probably use a skillet or broiler and come out with similar results.

Husband gave it a thumbs up...Now if I can just get my other zucchini to hurry and grow so I can make another one!!

Ingredients

1 packed cup basil leaves

1 large garlic clove, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon hot smoked paprika

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

Salt

One 8-ounce zucchini, cut into 4 lengthwise slices

4 English muffins, split

4 ounces Gruyère or Appenzeller cheese, cut into 8 thin slices

Directions

1. In a mini food processor, combine the basil, garlic and paprika and process until finely chopped. With the machine on, gradually pour in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil until blended. Season the pesto with salt.
2. Light a grill. Brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt. Grill over high heat until nicely charred and just tender, about 2 minutes per side. Cut each zucchini slice in half crosswise.

3. Grill the English muffins, cut side down, over low heat, until just soft, about 30 seconds. Turn and grill until the muffins start to brown, about 1 minute. Spread the cut sides of the muffins with the pesto. Layer 1 slice of cheese, 2 zucchini pieces and 1 more slice of cheese on the bottom halves of each muffin. Close the sandwiches and brush the tops and bottoms with olive oil. Grill the sandwiches over low heat, turning, until they’re crisp on the outside and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes total. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve right away.