Over the weekend I headed to the store to grab a few small items for the garden and I came home with a car brimming with new plants: zucchini and summer squash plants along with a few herbs, flowers (learned my lesson last year- no bees!), and an avocado tree. Yes, an avocado tree (dwarf-perfect for a pot). As a girl born and raised in Illinois, I never thought I would see the day where I would live in place where I could eat fresh avocados, let alone grow them. I am so excited.
If this harissa recipe looks familiar, I used it recently to make this lentil dish. I love being able to create one sauce and use it for different meals. I adjusted the chipotle peppers in this grilled cheese so that the sandwich wasn't too hot. Also, don't skimp on the cheese- if you can find taleggio, use it. I think it makes the perfect grilled cheese (it melts extremely well.) However, if you can't find taleggio, harvarti or fontina would work too.
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*To roast a bell pepper, stick under a broiler, rotating occasionally until pepper is soft and charred.
Erin, I recently read one of your posts from last month about diet and balancing your life. I just wanted to tell you that recently my husband and I have been going through that same balancing act and trying to figure out how to best take care of our health and get healthier. I can relate so much to what you shared. I really benefitted from your honesty and just knowing I am not the only one out there trying to figure it all out. Thanks for all of your awesome recipes and advice! I implement what you share in the kitchen all the time and share what I learn w/ others. You rock! Thanks for all you are doing!
I can vouch for the harissa lentils dish you used this harissa in. It was delicious, and I actually topped it with diced avocado. So I know this avo harissa sandwich will be to die for!
Wonderful ! I make Harissa myself but never used it in a sandwich ! Why not?!!!
Taleggio is a recent discovery of mine...and it was love at first bite. Defintiely a great melting cheese! I love how you compliment it with spice and avocado!
Also - totally jealous of your avocado tree!! Can't wait to hear how the garden grows!
Erin I love the sound of this sandwich. I am on a huge harissa kick lately. So exciting about all of your new plants for the garden. We've been tilling up our fields and planting away. Bring on springtime!!! (BTW. wish we could grow avocados in Oregon!) Jealous!
I love your recipe for homemade harissa Erin! It sounds perfect, and isn't too fussy like some of the other ones I've come across. I can't wait to try this!
I planted these beautiful avocado and mango trees at my mothers house last year and they are growing heavy with the most delicious fruit. She doesn't know what to do with all of it. The avocados will definitely make an appearance with this recipe ❤️
This sandwich sounds AMAZING. Now I am wishing for an avocado tree of our very own! Oh well--we rent, so the oranges, lemons and plums will have to do. 🙂
Oh my, I want one of these right now! I love that you made your own harissa, and I can't wait to try your recipe, and then slather it on some toast with avocado and gooey cheese. Yum! Thank you for sharing your recipe! Congratulations on your new plant friends, too (avocado tree!!).
Have fun planting Ella, I used to live in Calif and we had an avocado tree in our yard that I never tired of.
Great recipe! I love a good grilled cheese sandwich!!
[…] L: Harissa and Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich […]
Excited to have come across your blog, such amazing looking food that I want to try now!
How long will this keep in the refrigerator and can it be frozen? Looks wonderful!
So sorry this comment went to spam- I'd keep the harissa in the refrigerator for a few days and yes, it would freeze for a couple of months!