Bocadillo de Queso Manchego with Tomato and Olive Tapenade

Ingredients

• 8 slices of crusty bread 8 slices of crusty bread
• 200g (7oz) Manchego cheese, thinly sliced 200g (7oz) Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted green olives 1/2 cup (75g) pitted green olives
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon (15ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, combine the green olives, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a chunky tapenade consistency is achieved.
2. 2.
   Take a slice of crusty bread and spread a generous amount of the tomato and olive tapenade on one side.
3. 3.
   Layer the Manchego cheese slices on top of the tapenade.
4. 4.
   Add a few slices of tomato on top of the cheese.
5. 5.
   Top with another slice of bread.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients to make 4 sandwiches.
7. 7.
   Serve the Bocadillo de Queso Manchego immediately or wrap in parchment paper for later enjoyment.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Manchego cheese — To enhance the flavor, allow the cheese to come to room temperature before slicing and assembling the sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the tomato and olive tapenade.
• If you prefer a milder taste, opt for ripe and juicy tomatoes.
• Experiment with different types of crusty bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, to add variety to the sandwich.
• To make it a heartier meal, add some thinly sliced Serrano ham or chorizo to the sandwich.
• If you can't find Manchego cheese, you can substitute it with a similar semi-hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or aged Gouda.

Serving advice

Serve the Bocadillo de Queso Manchego with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing Spanish gazpacho for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To showcase the vibrant colors of the sandwich, cut it diagonally and arrange it on a wooden cutting board. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.