How to Make Italian Ham Panini

Italy is one of the best places in the world to produce the finest cuisines and fantastic dishes, not to forget the good wine, of course. Remember spaghetti and pizza treats that no one could resist? Well, Italy has definitely become very well known for that, but there is more to Italian foods than these things. And what about those enticing Italian sandwiches called Panini such as Ham Panini or Turkey Panini?

Panino, or Panini in plural form, is a famous sandwich made of a small loaf of bread that is cut horizontally, stuffed with your choice of meat products, cheese, herbs and spices, vegetables, and other ingredients. Panini sandwiches vary: some would have it served without the sauce or topping, as their tradition dictates; some would prefer to add sauce to fit in with their local taste. In whatever style you want your Panini to be, keep in mind though that the best way to cook Panini is to cook it in a Panini grill or press.

To help you get started here's a sample recipe for the Italian Ham Panini, which is good if you have ham leftovers in your fridge.

You will need to prepare the following ingredients:

-Thinly-sliced ham; leftovers are good
-Italian loaf bread
-Fresh mozzarella
-Provolone cheese
-Fresh basil leaves, or fresh spinach, rinse and pat dry
-Extra virgin olive oil
-Red wine vinegar
-Salt and pepper

Then follow the steps below:

1-Cut the Italian loaf in half. On each side of the cut bread, place thin slices of mozzarella to keep in tact the bread halves together when placed in Panini press.

2-Put a topping of fresh spinach, or fresh basil leaves, on the mozzarella.

3-Sprinkle it with a good amount of vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper to get the best flavor from it.

4-Next, layer it with provolone cheese.

5-Then top it with thinly-sliced ham. Shower some more salt and pepper.

6-Put together the two halves of bread and close it up.

7-Lastly, brush some olive oil before putting it on the grill.

8-Let it grill until the cheese is seen to melt.

9-Remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a few minutes until it's not too hot to hold anymore. Slice it into your desired cuts.

10-Then serve and enjoy your Panini!

Panini sandwiches are not only healthy and delicious treats for everyone; it is the most preferred food-to-go these days by busy bodies. While they can easily be prepared at home and brought to the office, they can also easily be ordered from your favorite restaurant; this option is more expensive of course.

While some people question the calories and fat found in Panini sandwiches, there is nothing to worry about if you make your own, because you control the ingredients. To resolve this issue, always opt for low-fat or low-calories ingredients to fill up that Ham Panini sandwich.

Sabrina Rocca
Author: Easy Panini Recipes
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