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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PinIngredients
- Harrisa
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 roasted red bell pepper*
- 1 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice from one lime
- ⅓ cup cilantro
- Grilled Cheese
- 4 slices wheat sourdough bread
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 3 ounces Taleggio Cheese
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, pulse garlic until minced. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until harissa is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Preheat grill pan or regular pan over medium-low heat. Brush outsides of bread with olive oil. Place on piece of bread, olive oil side down, in the grill pan and smear on 2 tablespoons of harissa. Layer with sliced avocado and cheese. Smear 1-2 more tablespoon of harissa on remaining piece of bread and place olive oil side up.
- Cook on each side until crisp and cheese has melted.
Notes
*To roast a bell pepper, stick under a broiler, rotating occasionally until pepper is soft and charred.
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Kellie says
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!
Katie @ Whole Nourishment says
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!
Mimi says
Wonderful ! I make Harissa myself but never used it in a sandwich ! Why not?!!!
Joanne says
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!
dishing up the dirt says
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!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
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!
Gina Frances says
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 ❤️
Eileen says
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. 🙂
Alanna says
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!!).
cheri says
Have fun planting Ella, I used to live in Calif and we had an avocado tree in our yard that I never tired of.
Rebecca says
Great recipe! I love a good grilled cheese sandwich!!
Charlotte says
Excited to have come across your blog, such amazing looking food that I want to try now!
swillia says
How long will this keep in the refrigerator and can it be frozen? Looks wonderful!
erin says
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!