This recipe for a Roasted Rhubarb Sandwich is a new take on a classic grilled cheese! With toasty bread, caramelized onions, soft rhubarb, a tangy spread, and fresh mint, it's a perfect summer sandwich.
If you'd followed the site for a while, you may know that I LOVE rhubarb. While it is classically enjoyed in desserts (like this Brown Butter Rhubarb Crumble or this Tessellated Rhubarb Almond Cake). It's also delicious in drinks, like this Rhubarb Shrub or Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita. This sandwich was my first true foray into a savory application of rhubarb and wow, I am so happy with how it turned out! Like many vegetables, when rhubarb is roasted it becomes slightly sweet and a bit soft. When raw, it has a very bitter taste that almost "needs" sugar. Roasting mellows this quite a bite and makes this bright pink veggie a perfect sandwich base.
How to Roast Rhubarb
- Slice rhubarb into 2 inch sized pieces, cutting each end at a slight angle. There is no need to peel it.
- Add to a lined baking sheet and coat with 2 TBS neutral oil, like avocado. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Roast on the middle rack of the oven for about 15 minutes, or until soft. The thickness of your rhubarb will impact its roasting time, so it may only take 10 minutes if you're using thin pieces. Do your best to use rhubarb that is close to the same thickness.
Ingredients for a Rhubarb Sandwich
A cashew spread makes up the base of the sandwich. To begin the recipe, this is made in a blender, outlined below.
Next, you'll roasted 2 stalks of rhubarb in some neutral oil and a bit of salt.
Finally, for the quick caramelized onions you will need more neutral oil, a small onion, some salt, brown sugar, and optional balsamic vinegar. I call these "quick" as unlike traditional caramelized onions which can take 45+ minutes, we're adding a bit of brown sugar to hasten the sweetening process.
To finally assemble the sandwich, you'll want some crusty sourdough bread, butter, fresh mint, honey/agave, and alfalfa sprouts. Many of these ingredient items are customizable to your personal preference.
What is "vegan goat cheese" and how do you make it?
Vegan "goat cheese" is not actually made from dairy at all. It has a similar tangy flavor and spreadable consistency to regular goat cheese, and can be used in similar applications. It really is a cashew spread made with nuts, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, optional miso, salt, and water.
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If you'd like, feel free to substitute any other "cheesy" spread you enjoy. I would even think hummus could be fun to try! Remember keeping things savory will help offset the naturally sweet notes of honey and caramelized onions.
How to Customize this Recipe
Any other tender herb (like basil or parsley) can be substituted for mint. It can also be omitted!
Any kind of creamy cheese-y spread will work as the base of this sandwich.
Feel free to keep this open-faced (as pictured above) if you're in the mood for something less filling. I also think this roasted rhubarb could make for an excellent crostini topping on a baguette!
Do you love rhubarb? Be sure to check out this round up of all of my Vegan Rhubarb Recipes.
Other Sandwiches Recipes to Try Next
- Tempeh BLT Sandwich
- Grilled Veggie Party Sub
- Fig Jam Grilled Cheese
- Quinoa Beet Burgers
- Thai Peanut Butter Bagel
Roasted Rhubarb Sandwich
Ingredients
For vegan "goat cheese" (makes extra):
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon miso optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt omit if you added miso
- ¼ cup hot water
For roasted rhubarb:
- 2 stalks rhubarb
- 1 TBS neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
For quick caramelized onions:
- 2 TBS neutral oil
- 1 small onion chopped into pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 TBS brown sugar
- 1 TBS balsamic optional
For sandwich:
- 4 slices crusty sourdough bread
- 2 TBS vegan butter
- 3 sprigs fresh mint
- 4 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 cup alfalfa sprouts
Instructions
- Begin by adding cashews, vinegar, lemon juice, miso (if using), salt, and hot water to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to help achieve a smooth consistency. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with a mat or parchment. Slice rhubarb into 2-inch pieces and toss with oil. Add to the baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Roast until soft, about 15 minutes. Set aside once done.
- While rhubarb is roasting, prepare caramelized onions by adding oil, onion, salt, brown sugar, and balsamic (if using) to a cast iron pan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Stir to combine and cook until fragrant and browned, about 15 minutes. Stir to prevent burning. Set aside.
- To prepare sandwich, toast bread to your liking and butter each side. On one side of the sandwich, layer rhubarb and 2 teaspoon honey or agave. On the other slice, add 2 TBS cashew cheese, 1-2 TBS of caramelized onions, a few leaves of mint, and ½ cup of sprouts. Sandwich together and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
susannahwf says
Such a lovely spring recipe and a wonderful way to use rhubarb.
Emily says
Thank you for reviewing!!
Sue 0523 says
So admittedly I was a bit of a skeptic when I saw this recipe, because I'm a fruit and rhubarb kind of person. (This sounded kind of gross, honestly.) HOWEVER, due to my bumper crop of rhubarb, I decided to try. WOW! The balance of sweet and tart here is fantastic, and the texture of the smooth cashew feta with the leeks (I had some I needed to use) and rhubarb on top of crunchy sourdough is really delightful. Another great flavor combo - total win, GH!
Emily says
Ah yay! Thank you so much for these details!! That makes me so happy 🙂