ZUCCHINI PANINI

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Zucchini Panini image

Thinly sliced zucchini can be treated just like chicken, steak or even deli meat as the main ingredient in a sandwich. Just remember to season it well so that its flavor comes through and doesn't get lost within the bread. You can sub 6-inch rolls for the baguette. If you have some dried oregano on hand, sprinkle it on the zucchini before grilling.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 large zucchini, about 1 pound
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 baguette, about 24-inches long
4 ounces Havarti or Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Cut the zucchini diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices so they are the size of the the width of the bread. Spread them out on a plate or cutting board and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat a griddle or grill pan to medium-high.
  • Cut the bread into 6-inch segments and then cut each segment horizontally almost completely through so you can open it like a book. Open the sandwich halves and press them flat against the work surface with your hands until the bread doesn't spring back. Put cheese on the bottom half of each sandwich.
  • Working in batches, melt 1 tablespoon butter on the griddle. Cook the zucchini until slightly browned and soft, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until pliable and nearly transparent, another 2 minutes. As zucchini is cooked, put it on top of the cheese, dividing equally among the sandwiches. Divide the olives among the sandwiches and close them, pressing to flatten.
  • Working in batches, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 1 tablespoon butter (for a small griddle) or 2 tablespoons butter (for a large griddle). Put the sandwiches on the griddle. Place a baking sheet on top of the sandwiches and weigh it down with something heavy, like canned goods or a cast-iron skillet. The idea is to make the sandwiches as flat as possible. (Alternatively, use a panini press.)
  • Cook until the bread is crisp, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook, adding more butter if necessary, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp, 2 minutes more. Serve immediately.

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