Italian Panini with Salami and Provolone Cheese

 

Panini is a popular Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The word "Panini" is the plural form of "panino," which means "small bread" in Italian. In the 16th century, Panini was a staple food for peasants in Italy, who would stuff their bread with leftovers and cook it on an open fire. Today, Panini is a popular sandwich that is enjoyed all over the world.

Panini is a type of sandwich that is made with Italian bread, usually ciabatta or focaccia, and filled with a variety of ingredients. It is traditionally pressed in a grill to create a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.

This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients that are commonly found in Italian cuisine. These include bread, salami, Provolone cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, and arugula.

Ingredients

Bread

Choose a good quality bread, preferably ciabatta or focaccia, for the best results.

Salami

Use a good quality salami, preferably Italian, for an authentic taste.

Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and pairs well with salami.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple ingredient in Italian cooking and is used to add flavor and moisture to the bread.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes add a fresh, juicy element to the Panini.

Arugula

Arugula is a peppery, leafy green that adds a fresh, crisp element to the Panini.

Instructions

Preparing the bread

• Preheat a Panini grill or a stovetop grill pan.
• Cut the bread into desired size and thickness.
• Brush the bread with olive oil on both sides.

Assembling the ingredients

• Place a few slices of salami on one side of the bread.
• Add a few slices of Provolone cheese on top of the salami.
• Add a few slices of tomato on top of the cheese.
• Top with a handful of arugula.
• Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

Cooking the Panini

• Place the Panini on the grill.
• Use a Panini press or a heavy weight (like a cast iron pan) to press down on the sandwich.
• Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Serving suggestions

• Cut the Panini into halves or quarters.
• Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and gooey.

Italian Panini with Salami and Provolone Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make sandwich that is perfect for a quick lunch or a snack. The recipe involves assembling simple ingredients like bread, salami, Provolone cheese, tomatoes, and arugula and cooking them in a Panini grill or a stovetop grill pan.

You can customize this recipe by using different types of bread, cheeses, and meats. For example, you can use sourdough bread instead of ciabatta or substitute mozzarella cheese for Provolone cheese. You can also add other ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pesto for extra flavor.

Italian Panini with Salami and Provolone Cheese is a versatile and delicious sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you are a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is sure to please. So, grab some bread, salami, cheese, and other ingredients and make yourself a delicious Panini today!