Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Panini Sandwiches with Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese
The grilled cheese sandwich is one of those childhood favorites, which you never really grow out of it seems. However, as you age your palate grows more educated, meaning that you can do better than pasteurized processed American cheese slices on white bread. You are ready for a more grown-up variation on grilled cheese and this grilled Panini recipe is an oh-so-sophisticated twist on this classic comfort food.
Instead of relying on a Panini grill, this recipe takes this sandwich outdoors so you can dine al fresco if you choose. With spinach, tomato, and Gruyere cheese on whole-wheat ciabatta, this is a grilled cheese sandwich, which is certain to please grownups; and kids will like them too (though you may want to replace the gruyere with cheddar cheese for the younger set). Grilled Panini sandwiches are certain to become a hit with your whole family.
Simple Grilled Panini Sandwiches
Ingredients -
4 whole wheat ciabatta rolls, sliced lengthwise into thirds
1 cup raw spinach, washed and drained
1 large or 2 small tomatoes, sliced thinly
¾ cup grated or very thinly sliced Gruyere or sharp cheddar cheese
Mayonnaise or aioli, if desired
Preparation:
While the grill is heating, slice four ciabatta rolls lengthwise into thirds. You should be left with thin slices, which will grill evenly. Add a thin layer of spinach and tomato to the first slice, followed by a thin layer of the grated cheese. Top with the second slice and repeat, finally topping with the third slice. Press the sandwiches down a little before adding them to the grill.
Your grilling technique matters a lot here. What you want to do is to add the Panini to the low heat part of your grill once it is good and hot, then close the lid and wait one minute. After a minute, turn the sandwiches using a spatula and press them down again using the spatula before reclosing the lid. Open the lid after one more minute and press the sandwiches again for about 10 seconds each before removing from the grill. If desired, add mayonnaise or aioli before serving. These grilled Panini sandwiches make a great lunch or even breakfast, if you are so inclined.
(Serves 4)
A picture of a our grilled Panini sandwiches fresh from the barbeque makes a nice change from the standard grilled cheese sandwich and is a fun lunch the kids will love.
