Spicy Turkey Panini
I came across these panini sandwiches while I was expecting our son Andrew. It was an instant hit with both myself, and the husband. I couldn’t believe how flavorful this sandwich was, or how easy it was to throw together. In fact, in the last week before Andrew was born, Jon took over all cooking duties for me. It might sound simple enough, but it’s actually quite a feat for him.
He cooked the usual things that men (well, most of them!) are capable of cooking…spaghetti, hot dogs, tacos. In other words, processed/ground meat central. But, he also decided to go out on a limb for himself and made these paninis. I did assist him a little in the chopping of the jalapenos. I would have been waiting all night for him to chop up 2 of them – bless his heart. My point is they are wonderfully easy. Takes 20 minutes to throw together…tops!
Spicy Southwest Turkey Paninis
1 sourdough boule or loaf, sliced in pieces 1/2″ thick
3/4 lb oven roasted deli turkey, sliced thin
2 red bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4″ thick slices
1/2 lb Pepper Jack cheese, sliced (sandwich size is ideal)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
kosher salt and ground black pepper
Whisk mayonnaise, hot sauce, jalapeno, and cilantro in a small bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, toss red peppers with the olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Heat large non-stick grill pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange peppers in a single layer in the pan, place a square of aluminum foil on top (that way you don’t kave to wash the pan you weigh down with!), then place a dutch oven, or any other heavy bottomed pan on top of the peppers to weigh them down. Cook, stirring peppers occasionally, until peppers are browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and wipe out pan.
To assemble the paninis, spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on each slice of bread. Lay 2 slices of cheese onto one side of the bread. Top with turkey, red peppers, and remaining cheese. Arrange remaining bread, mayonnaise-side down, over cheese.
Heat grill pan over medium heat for 1 minute. Place 2 sandwiches in pan and weight down with Dutch oven (you can use the aluminum foil trick here as well). Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to wire rack and repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Source: Cook’s Country
That is a great picture! It sounds delicious. I’m glad to hear you can use a weight instead of having to buy a panini grill. And, I love the addition of the cilantro (my most favorite herb!!)
comment by Kim — August 9, 2009 @ 10:33 PM
I love panini sandwiches! That looks great. I may invest in one of those panini grilling gadgets just cause..lol. Yummm!
comment by Libby — August 10, 2009 @ 10:29 AM
this is pretty much my ideal sandwich, and i’m not just saying that. cilantro and pepper jack are on almost every sandwich i eat, and i so enjoy the crunch of a panini. tremendous.
comment by grace — August 10, 2009 @ 1:24 PM
What a perfect summer recipe! We have some left-over roasted red peppers in the fridge and I’d bet they’d be good in these.
comment by Cookie — August 10, 2009 @ 3:52 PM
yumm!!! great flavor combo!
comment by ash — August 10, 2009 @ 4:38 PM
I love a good panini, and this one sounds fantastic!
comment by Deborah — August 10, 2009 @ 9:45 PM
Laura…I forgot to tell you that I’m giving you an award! Go to my latest post to find out the details
comment by Libby — August 10, 2009 @ 10:38 PM
This is a perfect panini. Love the little bit of heat you get from the hot sauce! Yum!
comment by Bridgett — August 11, 2009 @ 12:01 PM
Yummy! I have all the ingredients so this will be my lunch tomorrow!
comment by Lauren — August 11, 2009 @ 7:48 PM
As always, looks great! I can remember a time when our family ate all kinds of grilled sandwiches for dinner. A grilled sandwich is always a good idea for something good, that is fast and easy.
comment by Velva — August 11, 2009 @ 9:42 PM
Looks great. Love the spice you gave it.
comment by cassie — August 12, 2009 @ 3:09 PM
I love, love, love paninis and this one looks amazing!
comment by Dandy — August 13, 2009 @ 3:00 PM
Sandwiches are the ultimate summer food for me. This one looks great!
comment by Karen — August 13, 2009 @ 9:00 PM
Lunch never looked so good!
And I’m thrilled to see that you didn’t use a panini press for this. I always wanted one, but couldn’t justify buying it. Thank you!!!
comment by Molly Jean — August 14, 2009 @ 10:58 PM
That is one tasty looking panini!
comment by Kevin — August 15, 2009 @ 11:29 AM
oooohhh, they look so yummy, and they would be pretty healthy too!
comment by Maria@TheGourmetChallenge — August 21, 2009 @ 3:30 AM
Hello yum! I’m so making this for lunch tomorrow. P.s. I love your photos. They make me hungry!
comment by Jessica — August 22, 2009 @ 12:31 AM
Oh wow, this looks so delicious! You could surely put this on a restaurant menu and it would be a hit!
comment by Stacey (Dill My Pickle) — August 24, 2009 @ 12:38 PM
Wow! That looks delicious! I love all the ingredients. Great picture too!
comment by Erica — August 24, 2009 @ 6:06 PM
Oh they look like they would be a hit in my house.
comment by Hélène — August 27, 2009 @ 9:50 PM
I think I’m ready for a picnic lunch and I’d like to take this along
.
comment by Sophie — September 4, 2009 @ 11:40 AM