Pesto, Mozzarella and Tomato Panini

Simple but a great midweek meal, this Pesto, Mozzarella and Tomato Panini is perfect.

UNDER 10 MINS

VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 slices ciabatta bread
• 200g mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium heat.
2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. While the processor is running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. On one side of each ciabatta slice, spread a generous amount of basil pesto.
5. Layer slices of mozzarella and tomato on two of the bread slices. Season the tomato slices with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Close the sandwiches with the other slices of bread, pesto side down.
7. Brush the outside of the bread lightly with olive oil.
8. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or on the grill pan. If using a grill pan, place a heavy pan on top of the sandwiches to press them down.
9. Grill until the bread is crispy and golden and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.