ITALIAN COMBO AND BROCCOLI RABE PRESSED HERO

Italian Combo and Broccoli Rabe Pressed Hero image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 4h25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 bunch (about 1-1/4 pounds) broccoli rabe, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup sliced pickled hot cherry peppers, roughly chopped, plus 3 tablespoons of their pickling liquid
1 large sesame semolina loaf (about 14-by-4-inches and about 10 ounces)
1/3 pound thinly sliced provolone
1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
1/4 pound thinly sliced salami
1/4 pound thinly sliced mortadella

Steps:

Put the 1/4 cup olive oil and the garlic slices in a large skillet and place over medium heat. When the garlic starts to turn a light golden brown, add the broccoli rabe, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Cook until the broccoli rabe stems are just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir in the cherry pepper pickling liquid and cook until the pan is dry, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
Slice the semolina loaf horizontally and lay the two halves cut-side up. Pull out some of the bread from both halves (reserve for another use), leaving a 1/2--inch border. Drizzle both halves with some olive oil. Spread half of the broccoli rabe on the bottom half. Layer on the cherry peppers, provolone, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, the remaining broccoli rabe and the top half of bread. Wrap tightly in parchment, wax paper or plastic wrap and tie with twine if necessary. Place a brick (see Cook's Note) or cast-iron skillet on top for at least 3 hours to flatten, refrigerated. About 45 minutes before serving, bring the sandwich to room temperature.