Portobello Caprese Panini

A browned portobello cap and a few familiar caprese ingredients make a substantial pressed sandwich without a complicated filling. Cook the mushroom first so it releases moisture before it meets the bread. This recipe makes four panini and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Serves: 4 panini
Prep: 12 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices sturdy ciabatta or sourdough
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, patted dry and sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons softened butter or olive oil for the bread

Method

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush mushroom caps with olive oil and balsamic, then season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the mushrooms gill-side down for 4 minutes. Turn and cook another 4 to 5 minutes, until tender and most surface moisture has evaporated. Transfer to a board and slice.
3. Spread the outside of each bread slice lightly with butter or oil. Layer mozzarella, tomato, sliced mushroom, and basil on the inside of four slices, then close the sandwiches.
4. Cook in a panini press until the bread is crisp and the cheese begins to melt, about 4 minutes. Without a press, weigh each sandwich in a skillet with a second heavy pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side.
5. Rest for 2 minutes before cutting. Serve while the cheese is warm and the bread is crisp.

Variations

Use provolone in place of fresh mozzarella, or spread a teaspoon of pesto inside each sandwich. Add a handful of arugula after pressing for a peppery finish. If the tomatoes are especially juicy, blot the slices before layering.

Storage and reheating

Panini are best assembled and pressed just before serving. Refrigerate cooked mushrooms in a covered container for up to 3 days and build sandwiches when needed. Reheat a complete sandwich in a skillet over low heat, turning once; the bread will soften somewhat.

Read the work-from-home lunch guide and quick weeknight meal rotation for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home meal planner and list any missing ingredients before shopping.