They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but I vouch that lunch is just as important. I never skip lunch because my energy depletes, I end up slamming my head down onto my desk, and pass out in my afternoon class.
I’m joking.
Still, I heavily depend on lunch to get through my day. And I know you do too.
I don’t find a reason to skip lunch no matter how busy I am with work or school because I like food too much to skip a meal, but I have discovered a fast, easy, and healthy lunch solution that tastes great.
Sandwiches.
Sandwiches are insanely versatile. The choices are nearly endless. You can pile scrumptious and nutritious toppings on some whole-grain bread and add a quick and easy sauce for some extra flavor. Imagine biting into crunchy toasted bread, gooey muenster cheese, savory ham, crisp spinach, and tangy relish for lunch today. Would you believe me if I told you it was good for you? It is.
Grilled ham, muenster, and spinach sandwiches are ideal for the busy college student who wants to eat well to stay well but doesn’t have a lot of time. The good news is that this recipe won’t have you slaving in the kitchen. It’s great when made fresh, on the go, or you can even store it away in the fridge the night before.
I know you hardworking students haven’t been given top-class culinary equipment, personal chefs, and maids. This recipe needs only 5 ingredients to make, and you can prepare it without a stove top or oven. If you choose to cook this sandwich over a stove top, then the cooking time is a total of 4 minutes. Did I mention that it was delicious?
5 INGREDIENT HAM, MUENSTER, AND SPINACH SANDWICH
Recipe from www.cookinglight.com
Ingredients:
2 SLICES WHOLE GRAIN BREAD—If the first ingredient on the list of ingredients says “whole wheat,” then you’ve got a true whole grain product. Whole grain is a better choice than white because it hasn’t been stripped of its most outer layers, called the “bran” and the “germ.” The bran and germ are full of nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin E, iron, calcium and many more.
2 SLICES LEAN DELI HAM—All meats are packed with vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and iron. When you choose a leaner cut of meat, you’re saving on the extra fat that doesn’t benefit your body, but you’re not compromising the flavor of your food. Feel free to use any type of lean meat here.
1 SLICE MUENSTER CHEESE—Whoever told you that you can’t have cheese in any shape or form should be arrested. Its silky and creamy texture adds a lot to a boring meal. It’s full of calcium and protein. Since cheese is high in fat, follow three tips:
1.) Portion out a serving size: 2 tablespoons or 1 slice
2.) Choose reduced-fat. Same flavor, less fat. Don’t punish yourself by buying fat-free-- not only will you be chowing down on rubber, but you actually need some fat in your meals to feel satisfied after eating.
3.) Choose naturally low-fat cheeses. Some examples include feta, goat cheese, and part-skim mozzarella.
¼ CUP SPINACH—All greens are full of vitamins and cancer fighting agents. Spinach offers more nutrients than regular iceberg lettuce. The darker the green it is, the more vitamins and minerals the food contains. Romaine lettuce is another great choice, and it’s inexpensive when you buy the full head.
1 TABLESPOONS RELISH—You can find so many different types of relishes in the condiment aisle. Since the flavor is concentrated, you can add a lot of flavor to your food with a small amount. When you’re cooking with only 5 ingredients, this is a time-saving AND a flavor boosting ingredient. Try the different types of relishes out there, or leave it out if you don’t like it.
PREPARATION:
COLD SANDWICH
Layer each slice of bread with ham, Muenster cheese, spinach, and relish. Enjoy!
USING A TOASTER:
Toast both bread slices in a toaster, add ham, cheese, spinach, and relish. Enjoy!
USING A MICROWAVE
Layer each slice of bread with ham, Muenster cheese, spinach, and relish. Place both slices open faced on a microwavable plate. Microwave 30-45 seconds or until cheese is melted. Serve.
STOVE TOP
If you live in an apartment, you probably have access to a stove top.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Assemble the sandwich, and spray cooking on both sides to coat. Add to the pan and cook 2 minutes each side, or until each side is brown and the cheese has melted. Serve!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 315
Fat: 11 g (5.8 saturated, mono 2.8g, poly 0.8)
Protein: 20.8 g
Carbohydrate: 32.4 g
Fiber: 5.3 g
