Tomato Basil Mozzarella Panini

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Panini - as the name suggests is made with thick slices of tomatoes & mozzarella and few leaves of basil between slices of ciabatta bread. Although it sounds simple, the tomato and basil combination brings in wonderful flavors. And who doesn't like mozzarella? 

Do give this recipe a try and share your feedback in the comments section below! Happy cooking!!

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta bread slices (about ¹/₃ inch thick)
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Tomato slices (approx. ¹/₄ inch thick)
• Mozzarella cheese slices (approx. ¹/₈ inch thick)
• Salt & ground black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil - to brush on the outside for crisp grilling

Method:

• Paninis are best prepared using ciabatta (pronounced as CHI-BA-TTA) bread but you can use sourdough or flatbread too 
• Switch on your griddle/panini press. If your griddle is one layer like this, you'll need to put some weight on it in order to get the grill marks.  
• Brush olive oil on one side of all the bread slices
• Lay it upside down (the side brushed with olive oil on the bottom side)
• 1^st layer, arrange mozzarella slices on the bread slice (count of slices needed will depend on the size of your cheese slice and the size of your bread... But layer enough to cover the whole bread); season with salt & pepper
• 2^nd layer, arrange the tomatoes slices over the cheese layer (again, count of slices you'd need would vary); season again with salt & pepper 
• 3^rd layer, arrange the basil leaves over the tomatoes
• 4^th layer, arrange mozzarella cheese again and season with salt & pepper
• Cover with a bread slice (the side brushed with olive oil stays on top
• Grill until crisp (approx. 5 minutes)

Serving suggestion:

Serve hot with mayonnaise and/or ketchup and a few pieces of pickles!

Enjoy!