Make This Summer Vegetable & Basil Panini Recipe w/ Summer’s Sweet Bounty
Grilled veggies, meet your destiny! This panini recipe is pure summer bliss, packed with caramelized goodness and fresh basil. Get ready for your new favorite sandwich.
Grilling fresh summer vegetables in a sandwich press caramelizes their natural sugars, rendering them succulent and delicious. And even better, it’s quick and easy. This simple summer vegetable with basil panini recipe is sweet and savory and the perfect summer sandwich.
Slice all of the vegetables into an even thickness so they will cook at the same rate.
Veg Panini Ingredient Spotlight: Summer’s Wholesome Harvest
This panini recipe leverages the best of summer’s produce, packing each bite with flavor and nutrients. Opting for fresh, organic ingredients ensures you’re enjoying the purest taste and highest quality.
- Bell Peppers (Yellow or Red): These vibrant vegetables are packed with Vitamin C (especially the red ones!), antioxidants, and contribute a delightful sweetness and crunch when grilled. Choosing organic peppers minimizes pesticide exposure.
- Zucchini: A summer squash staple, zucchini is low in calories but rich in vitamins (like C and B6), potassium, and fiber. Grilling brings out its subtle, earthy flavor.
- Red Onion: Adding a pungent zing when raw and a sweet, caramelized depth when grilled, red onions provide antioxidants and a good source of Vitamin C.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The aromatic heart of this panini, basil offers a fresh, peppery sweetness and hints of vitamins K and A. Using fresh basil is non-negotiable for that authentic summer taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of quality Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness that complements the sweet vegetables. Opt for organic, grass-fed options when possible for better flavor and nutrient profiles.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: This simple, aromatic blend provides healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants, infusing the vegetables and baguette with incredible flavor as they grill.
- French Baguette: The perfect vessel for this panini recipe, a crisp yet tender baguette holds all the delicious fillings. Look for artisan-baked options made with simple, high-quality ingredients.
Here’s What to Serve with Your Vegetable Panini
Complete your fresh summer spread with one of these 5 unique salsa recipes, and grilled corn on the cob. Make a batch of sparkling sangria, and serve these mini cupcakes for dessert. This portobello and peach burger recipe would be another option to offer up.
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Summer Vegetable and Basil Panini Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat the sandwich grill. In a small bowl, stir together the oil and garlic. Brush both sides of the bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with about half of the garlic oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the vegetables in the grill, close the top plate, and cook until just tender and lightly charred, 3–5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Keep the sandwich grill on.
2. Brush the crust sides of the baguette with the remaining garlic oil. On the bottom half of each baguette, layer one-fourth of the Parmesan, 2 basil leaves, and half of the vegetables. Divide the remaining Parmesan and basil leaves on top. Cover with the top halves of the baguette, oiled sides up, and press gently.
3. Place the panini in the grill, close the top plate, and cook until the bread is golden and toasted, the vegetables are warmed, and the cheese is melted, 3–5 minutes. Serve.
Perfect Panini, Jodi Liano
(Weldon Owen), July 16, 2013
Main image by Maren Caruso
