Grilled Portobello & Goat Cheese Sandwiches

This panini-style sandwich pairs the earthy flavor of the portobellos with the mild, tangy goat cheese and salty, robust green-olive pesto.

• 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives, such as manzanilla, coarsely chopped
• 1 Tbs. walnuts or pine nuts
• 1 small clove garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 8 small to medium portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills removed, and wiped clean
• 4 soft round rolls, such as Portuguese or kaiser, split in half
• 4 oz. fresh goat cheese, crumbled

Heat a panini or sandwich press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (Alternatively, heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat.)

While the press is heating, put the basil, olives, nuts, and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped. With the motor running, add 6 Tbs. of the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube and continue to process until thick and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Brush the mushrooms with 2 Tbs. of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put them on the press, pull the top down, and cook until softened and browned, 3 to 5 minutes (or cook in the grill pan, flipping once). Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

Spread the pesto on the bottom halves of the rolls. Put 2 mushrooms on each and then some cheese. Top the sandwiches with the other halves of the rolls. Brush both sides of the sandwiches with the remaining 2 tsp. oil.

Put the sandwiches on the press pesto side up, pull the top down, and cook until browned and crisp and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how hot your machine is. (If using a grill pan, put a heavy pan on top of the sandwiches and cook, turning the sandwiches over once.) Carefully remove from the press and serve.