rainy days and spicy grilled cheese

February 07, 2012

Today it rained in Los Angeles.

To those who are unfamiliar, this sends most Angelenos into a panic, and transplants are impatient and exasperated. Commute times double and everyone’s status updates are related to the weather. You’d think since there are only 35 rainy days per year, they would be a little more well-received. But I guess that statement could explain why driving becomes so tedious.

It certainly isn’t the end of the world, but it does put you in the mood to throw on some sweats and cuddle up with a quick and comforting dinner. Enter Tex Mex Grilled Cheese!

These great little sandwiches are a spicy twist on the classic. Swap the olive oil and butter with their respective nonstick spray varieties to save some calories.

tex mex grilled cheese sandwiches

   

  • Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup frozen julienned bell peppers
  • 4 slices light whole wheat bread
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 slices deli American cheese
  • 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño, more or less to taste
  • 2 teaspoons chopped green chilies

Heat oil over medium. Add chopped garlic and stir until fragrant. Add bell peppers and sauté until soft, breaking into bite-sized pieces along the way.

Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium. Butter one side of each piece of bread, using 1/2 tablespoon. Place two slices of bread in the pan, buttered-side down, topping with two slices of cheese each. (If you’re using butter-flavored nonstick spray, just spray the pan and spray again before you flip the sandwich over.)

When cheese begins to melt and bread is almost golden brown, evenly top each slice with sauteed peppers, jalapeño slices, and green chiles. Top with remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, and carefully flip the sandwiches over.

Cook until golden brown and serve! I like to partner them up with a can of light tomato soup, spiked with a little Mexican hot sauce, or the vegetarian tortilla soup seen here!

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