Italian Appetizers – Panini
The word ‘panino’ is Italian meaning ‘small filled bread roll’. The plural form being ‘panini’ – basically a type of a grilled sandwich made from Italian bread. Using a special two sided grilling press called panini press.
Although any kind of bread can be used, a relatively dense bread is best, as it will hold up well on the grill, such as Foccacia, ciabatta and sourdough breads.
Though the earliest reference dates back to the 16th century Italian cookbook, the sandwiches became trendy in Milanese bars, called ‘paninoteche’ (Sandwich bar), in 1970s and 80s and soon spread across the U.S.
Ingredients:
Few bread slices
1 tbsp – Olive oil
1 cup – Spinach cooked
3/4 cup – Mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp – Lemon juice
1 tsp – Worcestershire
1 tsp – Hot pepper sauce
1 No – Red pepper slices
6-8 No – Mushrooms chopped
1/4 tsp – Garlic finely chopped
1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Salt to taste
Method:
Place the peppers on the gas or on a grill.
Grill until the skin has turned completely black and starts to blister.
When the entire pepper skin has turned black, remove and place it into a bowl.
Cover the bowl with a lid or a dish to make it airtight, so that it sweats.
Let the roasted peppers rest in the bowl for 10-15 mins.
Uncover, remove from the bowl (or bag). The red pepper skin will slide off easily.
Cut the pepper in half to core and remove seeds.
Slice the red pepper into strips.
Heat oil in a pan and add the garlic and sauté till pink.
Add the spinach and cook till most water dries and add mushrooms.
Add the seasonings mix well.
Brush the bread with olive oil (if needed).
Arrange ingredients between the bread slices and bake till cheese has melted.
Garnish with grated lemon peel and serve. Direct Imports From Italy Of Italian Gourmet Olive oil & Cheese