Hot Italian-Style Vegetable Hero

A filling and flavorful veggie sandwich.

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  loaf  Italian bread (or French bread)
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  large yellow onion, julienned
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  medium carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1⁄2 medium  sweet red pepper, cored, seeded, and julienned
• 1  medium zucchini, julienned
• 1  cup tomato sauce
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (I use peppercorn melange)
• 1⁄4 lb muenster cheese, sliced (low sodium)

Directions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Slice the Italian bread in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center of each half.
3. Place the two halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Place in oven, 4 inches from the heat, and broil for 1 minute or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. Heat the olive oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, uncovered, until soft (about 5 minutes).
5. Add the carrots, red pepper, zucchini and cook, covered, until the carrots are tender (about 8 minutes).
6. Stir in the tomato sauce and spices. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
7. Spoon the vegetable mixture into the bottom half of the bread. Top with cheese.
8. Broil for 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted (watch carefully).
9. Remove from baking sheet and transfer to a cutting board or other surface. Top with the upper half of the bread.
10. Cut into 4 sandwiches and serve immediately.