A Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Green Genie Spread. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (AP Photo/Richard Drew)This green spread is a sandwich genie. It is also a great way to get a few more vegetables in your diet. Better yet, it’s made with ingredients that you almost always have in the pantry.
The “Green Genie” spread is a garlicky pureed artichoke spread colored with curly green parsley that gives it a fresh clean flavor rich with garlic, lemon zest, pistachios and good olive oil. It is neutral enough to go with most of your sandwich fillings and enhance their flavor. It is also a great topping for crackers and if you keep it on hand, it’s an easy appetizer before dinner.
Ham and Cheese on Rye with Green Genie Sandwich Spread
2 slices rye bread
2 slices of Swiss cheese
2 slices ham
Green Genie Sandwich Spread (see below)
Spread each slice of bread with the Green Genie Spread. Layer the ham and the cheese and cut sandwich in half. Enjoy at room temperature.
Green Genie Sandwich Spread (Garlic-Artichoke Spread):
Makes about 1 1/4 cups (10 servings)
1 can water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup roasted pistachios or other favorite nut
3 cloves of garlic
1 cup packed curly parsley, washed and dried
Zest and juice of a large lemon
1/3 cup best-quality extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt or more to taste
White pepper to taste
Put all ingredients in a blender or a food processor fitted with the “S” blade. Process until smooth and pureed. Depending on your blender, you may need to use a spoon to move the ingredients as you process them.
Place in a non-reactive container until ready to use. Will keep in refrigerator for up to one week.
If packing this for a brown bag lunch, make the sandwich with frozen bread. By the time lunch rolls around, the bread will be freshly thawed.
Servings: 2. Start to finish: 15 minutes.