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While this sandwich was deliciously amazing, the red pepper pesto is the real star. I am just kicking myself for not doubling the recipe. I’m not even a big fan of red bell pepper – but I love this fiery spread!
This recipe adapted from Whole Living has been on my mind a long time so I was thrilled to give it a go. I had a few leftover peppers from a recent batch of Pickled Peppers but you can use whole large red bell peppers instead of the mini’s. I ended up using about a dozen mini reds. Remove the stems and seeds and cut them in half. Lay the peppers cut side down on a foil lined baking sheet.
Broil the peppers about 8-10 inches from the heating element, so they cook a little before scorching. Toss the blackened peppers into a paper bag and close the bag to seal. Let them steam for about 10 minutes or until the skin is loose and easily removed.
Remove most of the burnt skin and discard. Add the peppers to a food processor and throw in 1 jarred chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, garlic, almonds, and fresh oregano. Process until coarsely chopped. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons olive oil and process again until combined.
Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a generous amount of pesto on one side of the sliced bread (I should have spread it on both sides!) I used small ciabatta rolls, sharp white cheddar cheese, leftover grilled chicken breasts and fresh spinach. Grill each sandwich until lightly browned and the cheese slightly melted.
This would make a terrific pasta sauce, healthy spread on a vegetable sandwich, or a condiment on grilled steak or even burgers. I even had some on grilled squash. Roasting brings out the sweetness of the red peppers and the chipotle turns up the smoky-spicy flavor.
Make a double batch of this healthy spread – you’ll be glad you did.
Smoky Red Pepper Pesto on Grilled Chicken Panini
For the pesto:
2 large or 12 small red bell peppers, stems and seeds removed
1 jarred chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons raw almonds, toasted
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the panini:
2 grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
sharp cheddar cheese to taste
raw spinach leaves
4 small ciabatta rolls
Olive oil for grilling or pressing the panini
Place the peppers cut side down on a foil lined baking sheet. Broil on high about 8-10 inches from the heating element until the peppers are blistered and charred. Be sure to leave the oven door cracked while broiling and watch the peppers carefully. Once they start to char it doesn’t take long. Remove the peppers to a paper bag and seal for about 10 minutes or until the skin is peeling away from the peppers. Remove most of the charred skin and add the peppers to a food processor. Add the toasted almonds, chipotle pepper, and a little of the adobo sauce, the garlic, oregano and a dash of salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Drizzle on two tablespoon olive oil and process again until blended. Add more olive oil, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed for desired consistency. Taste the pesto and add more salt and pepper if desired.
Spread each roll with a generous portion of pesto. Layer with cheese, sliced chicken breasts, and spinach. Lightly brush the top and bottom of the panini with olive oil and grill until lightly browned and the cheese slightly melted.
Serve immediately. Makes 4 sandwiches
(Adapted from a recipe in Whole Living Magazine – March 2012)
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This is a great summer sandwich and the pesto can be adapted for many uses. And it’s so pretty too! How’s the weather where you are? We’re hot – big surprise! Hope you have a wonderful weekend – and thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Anna and Liz Recipes says
This looks so delicious! I would love this pepper pesto with pasta – I bet it is delicious!<br />We have been so busy, I have to get back to commenting and posting soon! Have a great week!~:)
Chris Scheuer says
Tricia, this is a wonderful sounding combination. I have so many recipes that use basil but not enough for oregano. I will add this to my herb recipe collection on Pinterest. I can imagine a zillion uses for it.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
The red pepper pesto sounds wonderful, Tricia! This sandwich is calling me 🙂
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I used to not like red peppers but I'm coming around… and now I probably won't be able to resist this smoky pesto!
Miss Smart says
Oh YUM! I've been craving romesco lately, but I like this spicy, smoky version…and since I know someone who loves any excuse to use his smoker, this might just have to happen….
Monica says
I always think a good sandwich is so much about a good spread/dressing, etc. This really looks delicious; I can picture the flavors. And it looks beautiful too. You make me want to get up and roast some red peppers despite the heat!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
YUM. That pesto looks awesome and I bet it tastes even better, definitely will be making a batch… thanks for sharing!
Elzbieta Hester says
I'd definitely make a double or triple batch. I see red pepper in the store but I don't have an idea what to do with them..now I know. I can probably store the pesto in the fridge for a couple of days. Thanks, Tricia.
scrambledhenfruit says
This looks great! And I just happen to have some red peppers in my refrigerator just waiting for a lovely recipe like this one. 🙂
Angie Schneider says
Indeed the red pesto is the star! The sandwich looks very tasty!
Wendy says
Roasted red peppers must make a flavorful and aromatic pesto! Being allergic to nuts, I love homemade pesto because I can control the ingredients. Leaving out the nuts or subbing sunflower seeds still produces a delicious pesto. I gave my basil plants a major trimming last night and made a batch of pesto we ate on grilled chicken and caprese salad. I"ll stock up on red peppers at the
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Tricia, this looks so tasty, never would of thought about making pesto out of peppers, very clever!
Pam says
This is my kind of sandwich. It looks delicious and a great twist with the almonds!
Big Dude says
Great looking sandwich and the pesto sounds awesome. I'll save this for when we get some ripe peppers from the garden.