How to Make a Tasty Sandwich - Gourmet Sandwich Shops, Take Note

I've got to say, ordering a good vegan sandwich while out and about is next to impossible.  There are a select few restaurants in town that make a good vegan sandwich, but still they are hard to come by.  I had a particularly bad experience the other day while joining a friend at a local "gourmet" sandwich shop.  I had eaten there several times prior to changing to a plant based diet, and although their sandwiches then were ok, I was never quite convinced they were "gourmet".  

My sandwich, when they eventually got my order correct (after 3 tries), was lackluster and bland, with hardly any veggies, but about 3 inches of sprouts in it.  A wasted $8 and change, for sure.

Now I feel compelled to share MY version of a great vegan sandwich.  Which I make at home regularly.  It is delicious, filling, and well worth the effort.  

Veggie Sandwich - Hold the Mayo

Bread - preferably healthy bread of the whole grain type, or if you prefer, gluten free.

Hummus - store bought or homemade.  I always eat Sabra brand hummus since it is yum and natural.

Tomato - the bigger and rounder, the better, but any tomato will do.

Cucumber

Arugula - or any other leafy green that appeals to you.

Pickle

Basil leaves (optional)

Sprouts (optional)

Spread hummus onto both slices of bread.  Use as much or as little as you wish.  Begin layering starting with cucumbers, then a nice thick slice(s) of tomato, add a little salt & pepper here if you wish, then finish with arugula (or whatever leafy green you've chosen).  You could slice the pickle and put it on the sandwich, but I enjoy mine on the side.  Adding the basil and/or sprouts is up to you, I don't normally add them, but occasionally enjoy doing so.  Cut the finished sandwich, add some chips or potato salad on the side and enjoy.  When I first began constructing vegan sandwiches it was a bit of a challenge and I'd end up with a mess but it was still edible.  I've become somewhat of an expert at it now, so practice makes perfect on just how you should layer and put together your masterpiece!  I also use gluten free breads, which tend to be much smaller slices so that makes it more of a task in order to include all the ingredients in a neat pile.

This is a complete lunch.  Vegetables, protein (hummus), grains and a taste that is very worth eating.  There are many variations to this theme, including roasting slices of zucchini or yellow squash to layer on there.  Your imagination is all you need!

 My "gourmet" sandwich, complete with hummus and arugula.

Lunch time!