PESTO VEGGIE MELTS
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 3:02PM 
I’ve come a long way from the days when Ma would make us tuna melts. You know, the Costco croissants with canned tuna and melted cheddar? Anyone? We led a strict, low cholesterol diet at our house.
Anyone can make a good ol’ brown bag sandwich, but when a sandwich is warm, and with homemade pesto, it makes me want to snuggle up and have another. I think that's one of my favorite things about days off... I get to spend time cooking food that is warm and tastes yummy. The beauty of the open face sandwich is that you get to enjoy the goodies, as opposed to just tasting bread. It seemed the perfect day to blend up a pesto with all of my basil, and was just the flavor punch these veggie melts needed. If you use store bought pesto, you don’t get the kick back that the fresh stuff gives you. It is worth the time, as you can double the recipe and use it in eggs, as a dip, dressing etc.
I layered the lemony pesto with fresh greens, then another flavor punch (caramelized onions), then a thick layer of fresh (heirloom tomatoes) and topped it off with just a bit of crispy mozzarella. Post picture indulgence, Hugh and I wished there were more. It was like having a healthier version of pizza… you don’t need mounds of cheese when you have a great pesto and tasty onions. 
PESTO VEGGIE MELTS // Makes 2
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion, chopped
2 Slices Ezekial Bread (or whole grain of choice)
1 Big Heirloom Tomato, cut into 4 thick slices
1 Cup Arugula
4 Thin Slices Fresh Mozarella Cheese
Black Pepper
The Pesto
4 Cups Basil Leaves
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
½ Cup Lemon Juice
1/3 Cup Toasted Pine nuts
1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Large Cloves Garlic
1 tbsp. Black Pepper 
In a blender or food processor, add the pine nuts, garlic and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Add in half of the basil leaves and pulse to combine, add the rest of the basil leaves and pepper and with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Stir in parmesan cheese. Leave the pesto a bit chunky, does not need to be totally smooth.
1. In a sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté on medium until caramelized, about 10 minutes. In the meantime, prepare above pesto.
2. Oven to broil. Toast the bread for one minute. Assemble on each: toast, generous spread of pesto, arugula, caramelized onions, two heirloom tomatoes, sprinkle of black pepper and fresh mozzarella cheese in the center (it will melt down).
3. Broil on top rack for about 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and a bit crispy on top. Then make another one if you have leftover ingredients because you will want it.
Reader Comments (35)
I'm amaized by your blog! thaks for sharing, your images are amazing, and they make me calm. I the cooks are so nice... I love to cook, and we are in a family of 6!! so I cook all new stuff for everyone. Keep up the good work, promis to pass by regulary.
i dont get it please come home and make for me so i can tasteeeeeeee
Salivating...
Oh yeah this will be on my cooking list this weekend!! Thanks Sara you are a gem!!
I am SO excited to discover your blog. Beautiful photos and great site design.
We are going to tear this recipe UP tomorrow!!
these little sandwiches look so fresh, tasty and flavorful!
nice job -- you have a similar approach to food as I -- let the natural flavors shine through for maximum enjoyment!
I imagine this to be a recipe that covers all cravings, with the smooth, flavorsome and creamy parts that make it. I especially like your addition of the onions ~ they win me over anytime :) Beautifully inspiring photos again too *sigh*...
Your blog is beautiful! I'm dying over here.
"tested & approuved !"
simple and nice recipe.
Great photos and I could eat that veggie melt RIGHT NOW!!
Fresh tomatoes are one of the greatest gifts in this life! Adore them! Fabulous photographs to compliment a yummy looking recipe!
I just do. not. know. what to say. Your recipes are glorious of course. But the photography is so beautiful it makes me a little panicked.
how pretty and inspiring.
wonderful blog...on my way to the kitchen now
hi there! thanks for commenting on my blog (sustainablediet.blogspot.com), not just for the nice words but because it led me to YOUR blog! beautiful photos and great writing. i've added it to my inspiration list. thanks again!
I love this combo! It's classic and perfect. I love the idea of having it open-faced. I usually press it into a panini. It reminds me of the first time my fiancee made us lunch, and we had it by the river in Reno where we went to school. I was so impressed! and I'm definitely impressed by yours :)
-kristen
om nom nom nom
Just stumbled onto your blog from the Kitchn.com and I love it! Beautiful photos and a cooking philosophy similar to my own. Can't wait to try some of your recipes!
Gasp! I am so happy I found your blog. I love your photographs. I'll be stopping by often!!! :)
My gosh, your photos are GOR-GEOUS!
I suggested your site to my three foodie friends, one of whom is thinking about going vegetarian!
Ha-ha-ha. Very funny comment from hugh.
Beautiful food, Sara and Hugh! Can't wait to try the recipes! You make the best team!
Congratulations!
wow! what a great blog discovery! i can't decide which is more impressive the food or the pictures! thanks for all the ideas {with simple ingredients!}
these look amazing! what a beautiful blog, too! glad i found it.
oh my!! I am so impressed by you both. Cera, I think you have something here, a serious future. I don't cook anymore but I actually want to try every recipe of yours. Keep up the excellent work!! I LOVE YOU!
I made this last night, but added a grilled portobella and put it on a whole wheat bun. It was the ultimate "veggie" burger!
just stumbled on your blog and love it already. can't wait to try your pesto veggie melts! such amazing photos, too.
Sara,
this looks fabulous!
Hello Sara!
So sorry for the late reply. Thanks so much for your email and the correction. Oopsies. I have to say it was an honest mistake but still my sincere apologies.
Anyways, love everything about your blog. More power! :-)
MMM! This sounds so delicious... My husband has been making a lot of basil pesto lately - I'll have to show him this recipe!
By the way, thank you for your comment on my blog the other day! Your recipes are lovely! :)
[...] out these beauties: Pesto Veggie Melts (photos from Sprouted [...]
Stunning blog and a beautiful post!
We don't often do sandwiches in our home; however, this is one we will have to try.
Thank you
Ok, perfect lunch for a day off, or any day for that matter. Love the look of that heirloom tomato!
WOW. this recipe looked rad and tasted delicious. thanks for posting!