Panino / Panini Recipe
Panino: The Italian Sandwich of Excellence to Absolutely Try!
Today, we invite you to discover a classic of Italian street food: the panino. Far from ordinary sandwiches, the Italian panino (it is more often known as Panini even if, in the singular, it is in principle called Panino) is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Rome or simply looking for a quick and tasty meal, this recipe is for you! Let's prepare together a delicious homemade panino… or panini, as you prefer!
Ingredients:
- Ciabatta bread or Italian baguette
- High-quality Italian cured meats (prosciutto, salami, etc.)
- Italian cheese (mozzarella, pecorino, etc.)
- Grilled vegetables (eggplant, peppers, zucchini)
- Arugula or fresh basil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt, pepper
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by thinly slicing the cured meats and cheese. Lightly grill the vegetables to enhance their flavors.
- Assemble the Panino: Cut the bread in half. On one side, arrange a layer of cured meats, then add the cheese and grilled vegetables.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Sprinkle with arugula or fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Panino (Optional): For an even more delicious panino, pass it through a grill or skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese and make the bread crispy.
Possible Variations:
To give your panino a more personal touch and vary the pleasures, don't hesitate to play with the ingredients. You can, for example, replace the Italian cured meats with grilled chicken fillets, canned tuna, or even a vegetarian option like slices of avocado or tapenade.
For the cheese, try gorgonzola for a bolder taste, or ricotta for a lighter texture. As for the vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes or olives can bring a distinct Mediterranean flavor.
If you like herbs, thyme or oregano can be interesting alternatives to basil. Finally, for a finishing touch, add a little pesto or a garlic-flavored mayonnaise to enrich the sandwich. These variations allow you to discover new flavor combinations and make each panino unique.
Feel free to vary the ingredients according to your taste and share your creations and successes in the comments!
Now that you have tasted the magic of Italian cuisine through this recipe, why not explore even more in discovering the culinary wonders of Rome?
What is the History of Panini?
The history of Panini dates back to 1870 in Italy, where the brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Panini opened a small kiosk in Bologna. They started by selling traditional snacks, but quickly specialized in making sandwiches, called "panini" in Italian. The simplicity and flavor of panini quickly became popular, and the business grew. Today, panini are a popular food worldwide, and their Italian origin is recognized.
Rome Gastronomic: Your Culinary Guide
Food Tours:
Discover the hidden treasures of Rome and savor the best local specialties. Book your tour now here or there and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of the eternal city.
Cooking Classes:
Get in the kitchen and learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes with passionate chefs. Sign up for a cooking class here or there and become a master of Italian cuisine!
Wine Tasting:
Dive into the world of Italian wines and awaken your taste buds to unique flavors. Book your place for a tasting and discover the wines that make Rome famous.
Roman Dinners:
End your day with a memorable dinner, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of Rome. Don't wait any longer, book a table for an unforgettable evening under the Roman stars.
Want to learn more about the delights of Italian cuisine? Check out our section on Delicious Italian Cuisine Recipes.
