Cheesy pesto Panini with tomato

Panini is one of my most favorite sandwiches. It is basically a delicious Italian grilled cheese sandwich, fast, fun, easy and elegant. Good for a last minute dinner, lunch, weekend brunch and anytime in between. I had my first panini at our local Italian restaurant a few years back and it was love at first bite :) There is something just so comforting about grilled cheese with crispy bread... no one can resist these.
It's very versatile as far as ingredients you can use. Can be made with different cheeses, bread and vegetables and meats. I have tried making different versions at home and they have always been a big hit. Here I am giving my version of tomato and mozzarella panini with basil walnut pesto. Giada makes this often on her food network show, that is where this dish is inspired from with my own little twists.

Traditionally they are made in a panini maker/press, but I make them in a cast iron grill pan on stove top and they turn out just as good. But if you have a panini maker, go ahead and use that. Here's how I make this.

Ingredients: makes 2 sandwiches

Italian five grain or french bread .................. 4 slices 3/4 inch thick each
Fresh Mozzarella cheese ............................ 4 ounces drained and cut in 1/4 inch round slices
Plum or roma tomatoes ............................. 1 big cut into thick slices
Salt and black pepper ............................... to taste
Extra virgin olive oil ................................. for brushing

For the basil Pesto:

Fresh basil leaves ..................................... 1 cup packed
Artichoke heart ....................................... 2 pieces (canned) optional
Walnut ................................................. 1/4 cup chopped small and lightly roasted
Garlic .................................................. 2 cloves peeled and chopped roughly

Red chilli powder.....................................1/2 tsp
Parmesan cheese ..................................... 1/4 cup grated
Salt and black pepper ............................... to taste
Red chilli flakes ...................................... 1/2 tsp or to taste
Extra virgin olive oil ................................ 1/4 cup + more if needed

Method:

1. Combine all the pesto ingredients in a food processor or blender (in my experience food processor works better) and pulse to make a paste. The paste should be slightly grainy in texture. Take it out in a bowl and set aside. If not using right away, refrigerate till ready to use.

2. Assemble sandwich by smearing insides of two slices of bread with pesto, layer one of the slices with tomatoes and mozzarella and season with salt and pepper. Put the other bread slice on top to make a sandwich. Brush sandwich on both sides with oil.

3. Heat a grill or griddle on medium heat and place sandwiches on it. Place another heavy skillet on top and press (I use my pressure cooker :))

4. Turn to the other side after 2-3 minutes and press again for 2-3 minutes. They will be ready when the bread gets crispy and golden brown and cheese melts and oozes around the edges. Cut into half and serve immediately. ENJOY!!

Notes:

1. Spinach can be used in place of basil for making spinach pesto.
2. Different vegetables like roasted red pepper, mushrooms can also be used with tomatoes.

Pin It