Summer Sammies

Before we start talking sandwiches, I just had to mention that tomorrow (9/23) Sonic is offering 1/2 price cones all day.

Okay, on to some sandwiches that pack summer flavors.  We had both of these sandwiches earlier this summer and loved how packed they were with flavor.  They’re easy to make and would go great at an end of summer bash.  (Is summer ending?  It sure doesn’t feel like it here.)

This first sandwich is a super flavorful burger that’s healthy and quick to make.

Chili Lime Chicken Burgers (from Iowa Girl Eats)

1 lb. ground chicken

2 chopped green onions

1/4 c. chopped red bell pepper

2 tbsp. chopped cilantro

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

Juice of 1/2 lime

4 slices pepper jack

4 toasted buns (We used sandwich thins, which were perfect and kept it feeling healthy.)

1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, onions, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, salt, red pepper, and lime juice.  Form the mix into 4 patties and spray both sides with Pam.
2. Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.  Grill the burgers 3-4 minutes per side or til they’re cooked through.  Top each burger with a slice of cheese and let it melt.  Once the cheese is melted, place the burgers on the buns and top with your favorite condiments.  (She suggested guacamole.)

As you can see, I offset the healthiness with some mac and cheese.  😉

This next sandwich is a Hawaiian variation on the sloppy joe.  Ever since I tried the Bombay sloppy joe a year or so ago, I’ve been more open to trying other variations.  This one definitely panned out!  It may not sound like a good combination (tomatoes, pork, pineapple, cheese?), but everything really works together.  The hubby really enjoyed these, and we had enough for 6 servings (the original recipe said it would just make 4).

Hula Joes (from Taste and Tell)

1/4 lb. diced bacon

1 1/2 lb. ground pork

1 diced sweet onion

2 cloves minced garlic

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

3 tbsp. brown sugar

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. worcestershire sauce

1 c. chopped pineapple

4-6 hamburger buns (Depending on how full you want you sandwich.)

1 c. shredded cheddar

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook it til crisp.  Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plated, but keep the grease in the pan.
2. Add the pork to the pan and cook, breaking up, til browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.  Add in the onion and garlic and cook til soft, about 5 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and worcestershire sauce.  Pour the sauce into the pan once the onions are cooked.  Season the sauce and cook til it reaches your desired consistency.  Stir in the pineapple and bacon.
4. Toast the hamburger buns and top with hula mix and cheese.

What’s your favorite twist on a sandwich?