Sesame, Garlic Broccoli Grilled Cheese

I have a friend who had two gerbils named “Une” and “Tune”, respectively. And one day, Une ate Tune. And that was the end of that.

Now, I’m not a cannibal, nor do I collect disgusting varmints that are, but we can all learn a very insightful lesson from this experience:

It hurts to be so damn delicious.

All this tuna talk has got my tummy grumbling. In memoriam, respectfully, I suggest we go vegetarian today.

Feeds you and tune; Takes 20 min

Ingredients for Sesame, Garlic Broccoli Grilled Cheese

• 4 slices good country white bread
• 1 cup full fat mozzarella, shredded (do not use pre shredded cheese. EVER. For any reason.)
• 2/3 cup fontina, shredded
• 2 small heads broccoli, broken into small crowns, stems reserved for snacking later
• 4-5 dashes dark sesame oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced very thinly (or 1 tsp ground garlic)
• 1 tbsp salted butter + more for buttering bread
• 1 tbsp good olive oil
• Sea salt (I use Maldon)

Method for chin dripping assembly

Heat a large frying pan to med-high. Add olive oil and tbsp butter along with broccoli and a heavy pinch of sea salt. Allow this to sizzle and stir every few minutes getting a little char on the tips.

After about 4 minutes, turn head to med-low and add sesame oil, red pepper flakes and garlic slices/powder. Stir and taste after a minute or two, ensuring the garlic does not burn. Add more salt if needed.

Remove from stove once all broccoli is golden and keep it in a single layer (so they don’t steam and get mushy).

Wipe out the pan and return heat to medium.

Now, build each sandwich:

Butter the outsides of the bread and line 2 slices with half of each cheese and then a handful of broccoli.

Top with other slice and fry, butter side down until a golden crust appears on bottom slice (about 2 min). Flip and do the same with the other side. Turn the heat down if you need to melt the cheese more, without getting the bread to crispy.

Remove, slice and top with more sea salt.

Have a huge affliction with sandwiches? Me too:

• Reuben Sandwich with Russian Dressing and Quick ‘Kraut’
• 4am Meatball Hoagies
• Pan Con Tomate
• Crispy Jambon-Beurre with Gooey Brie
• Campfire ‘Not a’ Philly Cheesesteak