Savory Portabella Sandwiches with Roasted Garlic Basil Aioli
Indulge your taste buds in this delightful Savory Portabella Sandwich, featuring succulent roasted portabella mushrooms layered with a creamy roasted garlic basil aioli. Perfect for lunch or a hearty snack, this sandwich combines the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar and melted Parmesan cheese with fresh tomatoes, all nestled between crusty rustic bread. This recipe not only brings out the umami notes of mushrooms but also offers a beautiful presentation for any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny picnic or a cozy lunch at home, this gourmet sandwich is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your thoughts if you try it first!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 (Unpeeled)
Olive oil
to drizzle (For roasting garlic)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (None)
Fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup (Minced)
Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (For aioli)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (For mushrooms)
Butter
6 tablespoons (Divided)
Portabella mushrooms
1 lb (Stems trimmed and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
Rustic bread (Pain rustique, ciabatta or focaccia)
1 lb (Halved horizontally)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (Freshly grated)
Large tomatoes
1 (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a small ovenproof dish, place the unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
3
Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are tender. Allow them to cool, then peel and mash into a paste.
4
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced basil, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, and the mashed roasted garlic. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day ahead.
5
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced portabella mushrooms and toss to coat.
6
Drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper. You can prepare this mixture up to 2 hours ahead and let it stand at room temperature; simply rewarm it over low heat before using.
7
Preheat your broiler. While it heats, spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over the cut sides of the halved bread.
8
Broil the bread, cut side up, for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9
Spread a generous amount of the garlic-basil aioli over the toasted sides of the bread.
10
Layer the sautéed mushrooms evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
11
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mushrooms.
12
Top with a single layer of thinly sliced tomatoes.
13
Place the top half of the bread over the tomato layer, pressing down gently.
14
Cut the sandwich into 6 equal portions, serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in these savory sandwiches?
The main ingredient is 1 lb of portabella mushrooms, which are sautéed with balsamic vinegar and butter.
How do you prepare the roasted garlic for the aioli?
Roast unpeeled garlic cloves at 400°F (200°C) with olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 30 minutes until tender, then peel and mash them into a paste.
What ingredients make up the roasted garlic basil aioli?
The aioli consists of 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/3 cup minced fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar, and the mashed roasted garlic.
How long should the aioli be chilled before use?
The aioli should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though it can be prepared up to a day in advance.
How long do the portabella mushrooms need to be sautéed?
Sauté the sliced portabella mushrooms in butter and balsamic vinegar for about 5 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of bread is recommended for this portabella sandwich?
Rustic breads such as Pain rustique, ciabatta, or focaccia are recommended for this recipe.
How should the mushrooms be sliced?
The portabella mushrooms should have their stems trimmed and then be sliced into 1/4-inch slices.
Can I prepare the mushroom mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sautéed mushrooms up to 2 hours ahead and let them stand at room temperature, then rewarm them over low heat before assembly.
What is the correct oven temperature for roasting the garlic?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I toast the bread for the sandwich?
Spread butter on the cut sides of the halved bread and broil it for about 2 minutes until it becomes golden brown.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How many portions does this sandwich recipe make?
The instructions recommend cutting the finished sandwich into 6 equal portions.
What are the suggested layers for the sandwich assembly?
The layers are: toasted bread, garlic-basil aioli, sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced tomatoes.
Should the garlic cloves be peeled before roasting?
No, roast the garlic cloves unpeeled and covered in foil to keep them tender.
How much butter is required for this recipe?
A total of 6 tablespoons of butter is used: 4 for the mushrooms and 2 for the bread.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring portabella mushrooms as the main filling.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the mushroom sauté?
3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used specifically for sautéing the mushrooms.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You need one large tomato, thinly sliced, to layer inside the sandwich.
What should I use to cover the garlic while roasting?
Use aluminum foil to cover the dish tightly while roasting the garlic.
Is the aioli applied to both sides of the bread?
Yes, spread a generous amount of aioli over the toasted sides of the bread before layering.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of minced fresh basil leaves for the aioli.
What is the recommended serving time for this sandwich?
It is recommended to serve the sandwich immediately after assembly and cutting.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh minced basil leaves for the best flavor in the garlic-basil aioli.
What is the texture of the bread after broiling?
The bread should be golden brown and crusty on the toasted side.
How much olive oil is used for the garlic?
A simple drizzle of olive oil is sufficient to coat the garlic cloves for roasting.
What should the garlic look like after mashing?
The roasted garlic should be mashed into a smooth paste before being added to the aioli.
What category of meal does this sandwich fall under?
It is suitable as a gourmet lunch, a hearty snack, or comfort food.
Does the recipe include seasoning for the mushrooms?
Yes, the mushrooms should be seasoned with salt and pepper during the sautéing process.
What is the total weight of the bread used?
The recipe calls for approximately 1 lb of rustic bread.
Can the garlic be roasted a day early?
Since the aioli can be made a day ahead, the roasted garlic paste can certainly be prepared in advance as well.