Where there’s smoke, there’s flavor!
Who doesn’t love the smoky flavor of barbecue? In fact, the flavor that hardwood imparts to food is utterly irresistible… and that’s exactly what we’re after in this recipe! Applewood is the wood of choice here, because its smokiness is fairly mild (compared to the smokiness of other hardwoods like mesquite and hickory) and won’t overwhelm the flavor of the mushrooms. I also chose chips, instead of chunks of wood, because the mushrooms cook fairly quickly, so you don’t need the wood to smoke for very long.
An easy gourmet sandwich recipe that you’ll keep coming back to, all summer long
These sandwiches are easy to put together, but the results are astounding! Aside from the addictive smokiness, the flavors of the grilled mushrooms, the tangy Emmental, the juicy tomato and the crunchy arugula are just perfect together. And let’s not forget the homemade aioli, which adds its unique flavor to our sandwich, too (a big departure from jarred mayo!).
So here’s to applewood and all the deliciousness it offers… Happy grilling!
Food & wine pairing: Naousa, Xinomavro with smoked mushroom sandwiches
A red wine is right at home with these smoky sandwiches, and if you’ve never had it before, I highly recommend you pour a Xinomavro from Naousa in Northern Greece. Full-bodied, bold and smoky, these distinct wines are perfect for anything grilled! Alternatively, pour a Zinfandel or a bolder, fuller California Pinot Noir.
Applewood-smoked mushroom sandwiches with Emmental
makes 4 sandwiches
active time: 45 min
- 2 cups applewood chips (alder and cherrywood chips are good substitutes)
- 1 medium Vidalia or sweet onion – peeled and cut in 1/2″ pieces
- 1 lb (455 g) Portobello or crimini mushrooms – brushed clean, stemmed and cut in 3/4″ pieces
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
- 4 regular or whole-wheat Kaiser or ciabatta rolls
- 4 oz (115 g) Emmental cheese (Emmentaler or Swiss cheese) – thinly sliced
- 1 large beefsteak tomato – cut crosswise in 4, 3/8″ slices
- 1 recipe homemade aioli (garlic mayonnaise – see Viviane’s tip)
- 1 handful baby arugula leaves (or baby spinach)
- Step 1:
Place the applewood chips in a bowl and fill with water. Let stand for at least 30 minutes, then drain. Place the soaked chips in a small aluminum pan or in heavy-duty aluminum foil. (They shouldn’t be spread too thinly.) Make a few holes at the bottom of the pan – this will help with air circulation – and set aside. - Step 2: Place the onion and mushrooms in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and cayenne and drizzle with the vinegar and oil. Toss well with your hands until the ingredients are well coated and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a gas, electric or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. When the grill is ready, place the pan of soaked wood chips directly on the coals (if using a charcoal grill). If using a gas or electric grill, place the pan on the bottom rack, above the burners. Close the lid of the grill and let the wood chips cook until they start to smoke. (This could take as long as 10 minutes.) When the wood chips are smoking, place the mushroom mixture in a perforated stainless steel basket and place on the grill. Close the lid and grill until the mushrooms and onions are charred but still moist, tossing now and then to ensure even grilling. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Place the rolls cut-side-down on the grill. Close the lid and grill until grill marks appear. Remove from grill and top the bottom side of the rolls with the cheese slices. Return to grill and cook until the cheese starts to melt. (This will only take a few seconds.) Top each sandwich bottom with the mushroom mixture and a tomato slice. Spread a little aioli on the tomato and top with the baby arugula. Spread a little more aioli on the top side of the rolls and top each sandwich with them. Serve while still warm.
Viviane’s tip
- If you decide not to make your own aioli, crush 1 garlic clove and stir it into 1/2 cup of jarred mayonnaise.
Oh Viviane…you’ve out done yourself with this one! We grill portabella but have never smoked them. Apple smoked mushrooms sounds awesome! This just went done as the next smoke that my husband does. Thanks!!!!
This is an ideal meal from the grill for me! I love the addition of smoky flavor to mushrooms. The homemade aioli sounds wonderful with it.
Thank you so much, Lisa!
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That’s one delicious sandwich with a very sophisticated twist.
Great combination of favors and textures.
Thank you, Daniela!
Wow…these sound delectable! I would love one of these for my lunch! Love using the applewood chips.
Thank you, Kathy!
My husband adores grilling huge portabella mushrooms to make burgers. Applewood smoking takes the flavors to a whole new level of delight! An outstanding recipe!
Deb, Thank you so much! The flavor of applewood is indeed outstanding… and so addictive! Lately, I want to cook everything on the grill with it!
The sandwich looks amazing and love the idea to use applewood chips. I have yet to smoke in my bbq.
Thanks, Evelyne! I think you’ll adore smoking your BBQ. The applewood chips give any food an amazing flavor. Have a great weekend!
Smoked mushrooms burgers – YUM! Love that idea and I love the look of these burgers!
Thank you so much, Mj!
The sandwich must have tasted super duper delicious!