Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 large carrot
• 1 1/2 tbsp oil (divided)
• 4-5 tbsp vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 batch vegan cheese sauce (or 7 oz store-bought vegan cheese)
• 2 oz of fresh baby spinach
• 4 slices of sandwich bread (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Check the easy step-by-step process shots in the blog post above.

2. 2

   --- Cook the carrot ---

3. 3

   Slice one large carrot lengthwise into strips (about 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm thick).

4. 4

   Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a skillet. Once hot, add the carrot slices. Sprinkle some salt on top.

5. 5

   Add 4-5 tbsp of vegetable broth or water after a few minutes to avoid burning.

6. 6

   Cook with a lid on over medium heat until tender, about 12-15 minutes (adding more broth/water if needed). Flip halfway through.

7. 7

   --- Spinach/onion mixture ---

8. 8

   At the same time, heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a different pan and add the diced onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until nicely browned.

9. 9

   Add all spices, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spinach. Turn off the heat after 60 seconds and set the pan aside.

10. 10

    --- Assemble the sandwiches ---

11. 11

    Drizzle 4 slices of bread from both sides with a little oil and sprinkle some garlic powder on top. Heat them up in a pan or on the grill for a few minutes.

12. 12

    Prepare a batch of my vegan cheese sauce or skip this step if you use store-bought vegan cheese.

13. 13

    Top two slices of bread with a heaped tbsp of the vegan cheese sauce.

14. 14

    Then add the spinach, onion mixture, followed by the carrot slices.

15. 15

    Add another layer of vegan cheese sauce and finally, top with the other slice of bread.

16. 16

    Cook on medium heat in a skillet or on the grill for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more, then remove from pan. Enjoy!