Teaming up peanut butter with creamy brie cheese is a surefire way to reinvent the humble grilled sandwich. Add an easy DIY fig jam, and you have a handheld meal that will appeal to all generations of a household. Extra fig jam can be spread over toast or even grilled meats.
Nutrition bonus
Peanut butter is a standout source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, while figs are a surprising source of bone-friendly calcium.Low and slow
By using relatively low heat to make grilled cheese, you’re better guaranteed a golden, not burnt, crust. Also, melt the butter directly in the skillet for a quicker sandwich if you’ve neglected to let the butter sit at room temperature until it’s spreadable.PB & J Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) dried figs, stems removed
- 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp (60 mL) natural peanut butter
- 8 slices crusty whole grain bread
- 4 oz (113 g) brie cheese
- 2 cups (500 mL) arugula
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories401
- protein18g
- fat21g
- saturated fat9g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates39g
- sugars14g
- fibre7g
- sodium448mg
Directions
01
Place figs in blender or food processor container, cover with 1 cup (250 mL) boiled water and let soak for 30 minutes. Add lemon zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to container and blend until slightly chunky. Let cool.
02
For each sandwich, spread 1 Tbsp (15 mL) peanut butter on a slice of bread. Top peanut butter with 2 Tbsp (30 mL) fig jam, 1 oz (28 g) brie cheese, and 1/2 cup (125 mL) arugula. Top with second slice of bread and press down gently. Repeat with remaining ingredients for additional sandwiches.
03
Heat butter in skillet over medium-low heat. Heat sandwiches until bread is golden on both sides and cheese has melted, about 3 minutes per side.
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD, is a dietitian, nutrition writer, and recipe developer. He is also the author of Rocket Fuel (VeloPress, 2016) and Muffin Tin Chef (Ulysses Press, 2012).
