VeganMoFo Day5: Mouf Full of Yum

Today's MoFo Prompt: "Best Sandwich Ever"

Boy, this was a hard challenge! I mean, the "best sandwich ever" is probably just the one I am currently eating. Everyone knows that sandwiches are pretty much one of the best things ever.

from left to right, in my imagination:

BLT, Torta di Ceci, Reuben, Grilled Cheese, Panino, Bagel Sandwich

some of my favorites for sure... which I have blogged about with love and affection

Over the years of my sandwich-eating life, I have eaten and enjoyed so many exceptional sandwiches. In my pre-gan days, in rural Italy, there was a little shop that prepared us sandwiches with a fresh roll, a few pieces of sharp cheese, a few slices of tomato, and a few leaves of basil. In the heat of the Italian summer, with perfectly fresh and flavorful ingredients, and the budget of an art student, those sandwiches were so special.

Growing up, grilled cheese and PB&J sandwiches were always my favorites. I consider it a great gift of the vegan nostalgia gods that PB&J is naturally vegan. It took a few years, but these days it's also not hard for me to cook up a vegan grilled cheese sandwich that satisfies me gastronomically and emotionally. In fact, when I thought of the "best sandwich ever," three sandwiches came to mind right away: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Grilled Cheese, and the Herbed Tofu Sandwich from The Real Food Daily Cookbook

First, I went with the classic PB&J. I toasted the bread, used the best peanut butter (I'm on team crunchy), great grape jelly, and enjoyed a nice little PB&J experience. That was a good sandwich, worthy of mention. But, in my heart of hearts, I knew this was not a contender for The World's Best Sandwich.

So, I got back in the kitchen, and cracked open The Real Food Daily Cookbook...

perfect grill marks

The Real Food Daily Cookbook was one of the first vegan cookbooks that I really fell in love with. I always wonder why this excellent book doesn't get more attention. Even after so many years, and after so many (wonderful) new cookbooks on my shelves, these Herbed Tofus are one of my favorite tofu preparations ever. Usually I make a double batch, because the marinade goes a long way, and I am always stoked to have more yummy tofus sitting around in my fridge waiting to be eaten. Y'know? 

The Supplies: Tofus, Sundried Tomato Pesto, Baby Arugula, Grilled Red Onions, Yummy Bread

A lot of times I also add grilled summer squash to this sandwich, but I decided to stick with the recipe as it was written for this occasion. That sundried tomato pesto is so good and so easy. It's basically just that you make pesto with basil, and then you also add a bunch of sundried tomatoes that have been soaked in hot water for a little while. I know it's not really very pretty to look at, but I assure you, it is pretty to eat.

My beloved.

A lot of times, a good sandwich can become a great sandwich with just the right circumstance: a picnic with a special person, an especially good tomato, a memorable travel experience, or even just an avid appetite. All that said, this fine recipe from The RFD Cookbook does not depend on circumstance in order to be fantastic... It sure is nice to have a reliable sandwich friend!