Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Panini

This sandwich (panino in Italian) is a take on the classic Caprese salad or Margherita pizza in a sandwich form. It combines the delicious, fresh ingredients of Tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and Basil, drizzled with Balsamic vinegar. This is perfect summertime lunch, especially grilled.








Recipes



Ingredients

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 (8 oz.) piece of crusty bread, your choice
1 tbs. olive oil
Roughly 12 basil leaves
5 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Spray (try to use an olive oil-based spray)



Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium heat and cook until reduced to about 3 tablespoons.

2. While the vinegar is reducing, brush the cut side of the top of bread with olive oil. Top evenly with basil, cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush the cut side of the bottom half of bread with reduced vinegar.

3. Coat the pan with cooking spray and heat a large grill pan (or you can use a hot skillet or cookie sheet over outdoor grill) over medium high heat. Add the sandwich to pan. Place a cast iron or heavy skillet on top of the sandwich, and gently press to flatten. Leave skillet on and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the cheese starts to melt and bread is toasted. Cut sandwich into four equal pieces.



Check out this 11 Inch Non Stick Cast Iron pan from Zakarian by Dash.





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