Hot Italian Vegetable Heroes

These sandwiches come out of the oven hot, delicious, and begging to be devoured. Recipe can easily be modified to be a vegan dish; simply omit cheese.

Ready In

Total Time: 35 Minutes
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time Time: 25 Minutes

Servings

6 Sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 package Better Wheat buns
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced very thin
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced thin
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced thin
  • 1 can (6 oz.) Italian style tomato paste
  • 2-3 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 ounces shredded low fat mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat the broiler.
  2. Slice each bun in half lengthwise and gently cut or scoop out a bit of each soft center.
  3. Place the halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet and broil 4 inches from the heating element for 1 minute or until lightly toasted. Set aside.
  4. In a heavy 10-12 inch skillet, heat the olive oil, add the sliced onions, and cook for 5 minutes or until onions begin to caramelize.
  5. Stir in the carrots, red pepper, and zucchini and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
  6. Add the tomato paste, water, oregano, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes.
  7. Spoon the vegetable mixture into the bottom half of each bun.
  8. Top each with one ounce of cheese, and place in the broiler 4 inches from the heating element for 1 minute or until the cheese has melted.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter and top with the toasted upper halves of the buns.
  10. Serve warm.