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one golden pressed ciabatta turkey panini cut into two halves with folded deli turkey, thin browned zucchini slices, melted pale Fontina and a narrow green pesto layer inside on an ordinary plate, with no tomato, roasted red pepper or garnish
Andre Lewis

Turkey Pesto Panini

Thin zucchini slices need a quick turn in the skillet before they belong in a turkey pesto panini, otherwise their water ends up in the ciabatta. Let the cooked slices stop steaming while you grate the Fontina and spread the pesto. Deli turkey folds into a level layer without a tall cold mound in the middle. Press the sandwich gently as it cooks, using the weight to bring the bread into contact with the filling rather than crushing all the air out of the roll. The finished cut should show turkey, zucchini and melted cheese held together by a thin green pesto layer, not a puddle of oily sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 small ciabatta rolls split
  • 1 small zucchini cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch slices
  • 2 tsp olive oil divided
  • 1/8 tsp fine salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz thinly sliced ready-to-eat deli turkey
  • 3 oz Fontina grated
  • 2 tbsp prepared basil pesto

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season zucchini with salt and pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned and tender. Transfer to a plate and let steam escape for 2 minutes.
  2. Spread pesto thinly over the roll cut faces. Divide half the Fontina over bottom halves, add folded turkey and zucchini in even layers and top with remaining cheese. Close the rolls.
  3. Brush outer bread surfaces with remaining oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and place sandwiches in it with a clean heavy skillet set gently on top.
  4. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, removing the weight to turn, until bread is crisp, cheese melts and the filling reaches 165°F. Lower the heat if the crust browns before the center warms.
  5. Rest for 1 minute and cut each panini across the middle before serving.