Olives are a bit of a fixture in my diet. When I was a little kid, I was notorious for polishing off all of black olives at family picnics. Like, big time. I had to be kept away from the black olive tray, as I was inclined to help myself to an entire plate of those juicy little suckers. If only I’d had this sandwich to satiate my appetite back then. It’s like a sandwich and a plate full of black olives, all rolled into one. At least I can be thankful for the fact that even as a thefting little tot, I had an appetite for good stuff. You know? I totally could’ve been sneaking into the cookie jar like most kids my age, but leave it to me to pick something healthy. I shouldn’t be surprised. Black olives are delicious. This sandwich is loaded with black olives, and fits right in with the Mediterranean diet. (Side note: this sandwich is also loaded with Mediterranean flavors, which isn’t totally necessary under the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean diet Mexican food, Chinese food and veggie burgers are all totally doable.) It’s also a delicious gooey, goodness filled and grilled panini that’s totally vegan. Hummus is my secret ingredient, because when you stick in between some bread and heat it up, hummus gets warm and spoogey, just like cheese would in a non-vegan panini. This hummus is extra awesome, because it’s loaded with flavors that you’d normally find in a black olive tapenade. I threw in some red pepper slices and spinach, for extra veggie healthiness, but also because they’re delicious and work beautifully with the tapenade-hummus flavors. This sandwich feels really decadent, but it’s secretly healthy. In other words, it’s the best kind of sandwich.
