Savory Mediterranean Veggie Panini
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful vegetarian panini. Loaded with a savory olive tapenade, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers, all layered with sharp provolone cheese, this sandwich brings a scrumptious taste sensation without any meat. Perfect for a unique lunch or a satisfying snack, this panini will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Easily customize the recipe with your favorite additional toppings, and enjoy a gourmet meal in no time!
4
Servings
450
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
pitted green olives
1/2 cup (whole)
pitted black olives
1/2 cup (whole)
giardiniera
1 cup (drained, including pickled cauliflower, carrot, and hot pepper mix)
sesame seed rolls
4 (or substitute with cornmeal Kaiser rolls or French bread)
sharp provolone cheese
8 slices (sliced)
marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup (thinly sliced)
roasted red peppers
2 (drained and thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat a griddle or panini press to medium-high heat.
2
In a food processor, add the pitted green and black olives along with the giardiniera. Pulse until you achieve a coarse relish consistency.
3
Place the sesame seed rolls or your preferred bread option on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the olive relish on the bottom halves of the rolls.
4
Layer each with a slice of sharp provolone cheese, followed by marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red pepper slices. Top with another slice of provolone cheese and close the sandwiches with the top halves of the rolls.
5
Place the sandwiches on the preheated griddle or panini press. If using a griddle, press the sandwiches with a heavy skillet or another pan to achieve a crispy texture.
6
Grill or press the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7
Remove from heat, slice the sandwiches in half, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
6g
Fiber
900mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Mediterranean Veggie Panini?
It is a vegetarian sandwich featuring Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olive tapenade, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and sharp provolone cheese, pressed until crispy and melted.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Savory Mediterranean Veggie Panini is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What type of olives are used in the relish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pitted green olives and 1/2 cup of pitted black olives.
How do I make the olive relish?
Pulse the pitted green and black olives along with the giardiniera in a food processor until you reach a coarse relish consistency.
What is giardiniera and how is it prepared for this recipe?
Giardiniera is a mix of pickled vegetables including cauliflower, carrots, and hot peppers. For this recipe, it should be drained before being pulsed into the relish.
What kind of bread is best for this panini?
The recipe suggests sesame seed rolls, but you can substitute them with cornmeal Kaiser rolls or French bread.
Which cheese is recommended for the Savory Mediterranean Veggie Panini?
Sharp provolone cheese is used to provide a bold, melted flavor.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
Use marinated artichoke hearts and ensure they are thinly sliced before layering them into the sandwich.
Can I make this panini without a panini press?
Yes, you can use a griddle and press the sandwiches down with a heavy skillet or another pan to achieve a crispy texture.
How long should I cook the panini?
Cook or press the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the primary vegetables in the sandwich layers?
The layers consist of marinated artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers, in addition to the olive and giardiniera relish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving of this panini provides 20g of protein.
What is the fat content of the Mediterranean Veggie Panini?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one panini?
One serving contains 40g of carbohydrates.
Is there a lot of sodium in this recipe?
The sodium content is 900mg per serving, largely due to the olives, giardiniera, and cheese.
Does this sandwich contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 6g of dietary fiber.
Should the roasted red peppers be fresh?
The recipe calls for 2 roasted red peppers that are drained and thinly sliced; these are typically found jarred or can be roasted beforehand.
What temperature should I use for the griddle or press?
Preheat your griddle or panini press to medium-high heat for the best results.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, you can easily customize the recipe with any of your favorite additional Mediterranean toppings.
How do I assemble the sandwich layers?
Spread olive relish on the bottom, then layer: provolone, artichokes, red peppers, and another slice of provolone.
What is the texture of the olive relish?
The relish should have a coarse consistency rather than being a smooth puree.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is perfect for a unique lunch or a satisfying snack that can be made in a short amount of time.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect vibrant, savory, and tangy Mediterranean flavors with a sharp finish from the provolone.
Do I need to pit the olives myself?
The recipe specifies using pitted green and black olives for convenience and safety.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp provolone is recommended, you can substitute it with mozzarella or mild provolone if preferred.
What should I do after the panini is cooked?
Remove from the heat, slice the sandwiches in half, and serve them immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Is there any meat in this panini?
No, this is a meat-free recipe focused on Mediterranean vegetables and cheese.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with Mediterranean, vegetarian, panini, lunch, snack, vegetable, olives, artichoke, and provolone.