Savory Porchetta Panini Delight
Experience the irresistible flavors of Italy with this Savory Porchetta Panini Delight! Inspired by a delectable dish from a famous cooking challenge, this panini features succulent pork loin marinated in vibrant herbs and spices, paired with creamy fontina cheese, fresh arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. Served on toasted flatbread with a zesty homemade salsa verde, this dish is a delicious meal perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this panini will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Italy.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh Italian parsley
3 cups (loosely packed, chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
green onions
3 (sliced)
fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (none)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and minced)
anchovy fillets
2 (drained and chopped (optional))
capers
1 tablespoon (drained)
grated lemon peel
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
pita bread (or flatbread)
8 (none)
salsa verde
1/3 cup (none)
pork loin
2/3 lb (sliced (porchetta))
fontina cheese
8 slices (none)
arugula
1 cup (washed and dried)
caramelized onion
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
For the Salsa Verde: In a medium bowl, combine the parsley, olive oil, green onions, lemon juice, minced garlic, (anchovies if using), capers, and grated lemon peel. Toss everything together until well mixed and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
For the Assembly: Preheat your Panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly toast the flatbread in the oven to enhance its texture.
3
Spread a generous amount of the prepared salsa verde over four pieces of the warmed flatbread.
4
Layer each of these with equal portions of sliced pork loin, fontina cheese, fresh arugula, and caramelized onions.
5
Top with the remaining pieces of flatbread to form the sandwiches.
6
Carefully place the assembled paninis in the Panini press and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Remove the paninis, slice them in half, and serve immediately with extra salsa verde on the side.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Porchetta Panini Delight?
It is an Italian-inspired panini featuring succulent pork loin, fontina cheese, fresh arugula, and caramelized onions on flatbread with a homemade salsa verde.
What are the primary ingredients for the salsa verde?
The salsa verde is made from fresh Italian parsley, extra virgin olive oil, green onions, lemon juice, garlic, capers, and lemon peel.
What type of meat is used in this panini?
The recipe calls for 2/3 lb of sliced pork loin, specifically prepared in the porchetta style.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
Fontina cheese is used for its creamy texture and excellent melting properties.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving of this porchetta panini.
Is there a lot of protein in this sandwich?
Yes, each serving provides 22.5g of protein.
What type of bread should I use?
The recipe suggests using eight pieces of pita bread or another type of flatbread.
Are anchovies required for the salsa verde?
No, the two anchovy fillets are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How long does it take to cook the panini?
The assembled paninis should be cooked in a press for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
How much fat is in this dish?
One serving of this panini contains 30g of fat.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need three garlic cloves, which should be peeled and minced.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
You need 3 cups of fresh Italian parsley, loosely packed and chopped.
How do I prepare the flatbread?
Lightly toast the flatbread in the oven before assembly to enhance its texture.
What is the first step in making the salsa verde?
Combine parsley, olive oil, green onions, lemon juice, garlic, capers, and lemon peel in a medium bowl and toss well.
How many green onions are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses three sliced green onions.
What should I do with the arugula?
The arugula should be washed and dried before being layered into the sandwich.
How much caramelized onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of caramelized onions.
How much lemon juice goes into the salsa?
Three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice are used for the salsa verde.
Can I serve extra salsa verde on the side?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the sliced paninis with extra salsa verde on the side.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this Savory Porchetta Panini Delight recipe.
Is fresh lemon peel used?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel.
What is the order of assembly for the sandwich?
Spread salsa verde on flatbread, then layer pork loin, fontina cheese, arugula, and caramelized onions before topping with more bread.
How much olive oil is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many slices of cheese are used?
A total of 8 slices of fontina cheese are used across the sandwiches.
Is the pork loin sliced or whole?
The 2/3 lb of pork loin should be sliced for the panini assembly.
What is the recommended prep for the capers?
The capers should be drained before being added to the salsa verde.
Is this recipe good for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a delicious meal perfect for lunch or a quick snack.
What gives the panini its Italian flair?
The combination of porchetta, fontina, arugula, and a classic Mediterranean-style salsa verde creates its Italian flavor profile.
Can I use curly parsley instead of Italian parsley?
While Italian (flat-leaf) parsley is specified for its flavor, curly parsley can be used in a pinch.
What should I do after removing the panini from the press?
Slice the paninis in half and serve them immediately while they are hot.