Italian Pesto Ham and Cheese Sandwich (Pesto Panino)
An Italian panino with freshly made pesto, prosciutto crudo and mozzarella cheese is one of the most delicious sandwiches you can make. If you want the real flavors of an authentic Italian panini, then this recipe is for you.
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or pestle and mortar
Ingredients
- 1 medium schiacciata bread or focaccia bread
- 100 grams prosciutto crudo parma ham
- 100 grams parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano) two handful
- 1-2 dl olive oil extra vergine
- 30 grams pine nuts
- 40 grams fresh basil two handful
- 1 handful arugula (rocket)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 ball mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 datterino tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
Making the Pesto
- To avoid the basil becoming too warm and getting bitter while mixing, you can put the basil leaves in the fridge for a while and put some ice cubes onto them. You can also put the bottom part of the mixer / food processor in the fridge as well.40 grams fresh basil
- roast the pine nuts at medium-low heat in a frying pan until they become slightly brown. Be sure to toss them from time to time and not to burn them.30 grams pine nuts
- Grate the Parmigiano Reggiano so it will be easier to stuff it into the food processor later. Otherwise you can also just cut smaller cubes.100 grams parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano)
- Add the cold fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, roasted pine nuts as well as most of the olive oil into the food processor or pestle and mortar. Mix or grind until you get a homogeneous and creamy texture.1-2 dl olive oil extra vergine, 1 clove garlic
- Taste the Pesto and add a pinch of salt & pepper according to your taste. Also add more olive oil if the pesto is still a bit too thick. Mix again and put the pesto aside for later.1 pinch pepper, 1 pinch salt
Making the Pesto ham and cheese Panini
- Cut the datterino tomatoes and the mozzarella cheese into thin slices.2-3 datterino tomatoes, 1 ball mozzarella cheese
- Cut the schiacciata or focaccia bread in half and spread the bottom part with your freshly made pesto. Add the mozzarella cheese and datterino tomatoes and sprinkle with some more pesto on top.1 medium schiacciata bread
- Add the prosciutto crudo (parma ham) on top, add some fresh adugula and close the panino with the upper part of the bread.100 grams prosciutto crudo, 1 handful arugula (rocket)
- Toast the Sandwich in a frying pan or on the grill for a minute each side and enjoy a fantastic italian style Panino full of fresh and tasty ingredients.
