Caprese Panini

The Caprese Panini is a delightful Italian-inspired sandwich that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all grilled to perfection. This vegetarian dish is not only satisfying but also bursting with vibrant flavors, making it a perfect American lunch option.

Ingredients

• Ciabatta bread - 2 pieces
• Fresh mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, sliced
• Ripe tomatoes - 1 large, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves - 15 grams
• Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the ciabatta bread in half horizontally.
3. Drizzle one side of each ciabatta piece with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Layer the mozzarella cheese slices evenly on the oiled side of one ciabatta piece.
5. Add the sliced tomatoes on top of the mozzarella, followed by fresh basil leaves.
6. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Top with the second ciabatta piece, oiled side down, to form a sandwich.
8. Place the sandwich in the panini press or skillet. If using a skillet, press down with a spatula.
9. Grill for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
10. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, which may help reduce inflammation.
• Provides a good source of calcium from mozzarella, supporting bone health.

Tags