Avocado and sun-dried tomato panini

Posted by Dana McMahan on April 1, 2008

I bought a book a few years ago called Minute Meals Vegetarian. The book's premise is that the meals take no more than 20 minutes to prepare. Though I haven't generally found that to be true, I have found some staples in the book that I turn to time and again on weeknights. This is one of the best.

Grilled cheese of any kind has always been a favorite of mine, and was one of the very first things I learned to cook. This recipe kicks up an old-fashioned treat with the addition of just a couple special ingredients.

All you need is a loaf of good bread -- we used sourdough tonight -- an avocado and some sun-dried tomatoes, and a grill pan that will give you those nice lines.

To start, set your butter out to come to room temperature while you do your pre-dinner chores (or have your pre-dinner cocktail).

Slice four slices from your bread loaf.

Chop about six sun dried tomatoes into quarters.

Slice about 2 oz worth of sharp cheddar cheese per sandwich. Try to carve thin slices that will melt quickly.

Scoop out an avocado -- I recommend the special avocado slicer like this one you can pick up at any store. Mine's a cheap one from Target and does the job just fine.

Turn the heat up to medium under your grill pan. I love mine for the perfect grill marks it lends sandwiches and fish.

Butter your bread.

Place your two bottom slices on the hot grill (butter side down) and top with cheese. Top with the tomato next and then arrange the avocado over that. Place the top bread slice (butter side up) and weigh down with a heavy skillet or pan. My mammoth Le Creuset pot does the trick.

After 3-4 minutes carefully lift up the edge of one sandwich to check for golden doneness. When it's ready *carefully* flip with a spatula. Stuff back in any ingredients that fall out. Allow to cook another few minutes. Slice diagonally and transfer to a plate.

We served our sandwiches with fried red potatoes but if you're feeling healthful it would be good with a crisp salad.

TAGS: Avocado, Cheddar, Panini, Sundried Tomatoes
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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1. 1

   Leigh said:

   Looks good. I think I will try this as I have an unhealthy obsession with sundried tomatoes. Thanks for sharing.

   Posted at 09:27 AM, on April 4 2008

1. 2

   Brenda Bowling said:

   looks yummy

   Posted at 07:56 PM, on April 8 2008

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