Love with a vintage scent - Panini 'on-the-go'

Love with a Vintage Aroma - Panini 'on-the-go'

When you play in the kitchen, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories and stories. This 'on-the-go' panini recipe is not just a simple dish; it blends Italian tradition with the nostalgia of a bygone era, evoking the story of Gaetano Biasini, a Milanese who brought innovation and refinement to the heart of Transylvania. In his restaurant, learners and dreamers gathered, dreaming of a better world. Today, we will bring a bit of that magic into our kitchen.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 paninis

Nutritional benefits:
These paninis are rich in protein due to the eggs and cheeses, and the combination of ingredients provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the addition of olives contributes to healthy fat intake.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg flour (type 650)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 700 ml lukewarm milk
- 80 g melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 200 g ham, prosciutto, or salami (to taste)
- 100 g cheese
- 100 g feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
- 100 g pitted olives
- Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a large bowl, mix the yeast with 700 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast) and the teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam.

Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. Once the yeast is activated, add the yeast mixture to the flour along with the eggs and melted butter. Knead the dough by hand or with a food processor (you can also use a bread machine) until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Practical tips: If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, or the paninis will be tough.

Step 2: Proofing the dough
After the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. It will grow and become fluffy.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cut the cheese and feta into small cubes, and slice the ham or prosciutto into strips. All ingredients should be ready to assemble the paninis quickly.

Step 4: Shaping the paninis
Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and take a portion of the dough (about a tablespoon). Form a ball, then gently flatten it with your palms. Place a few cubes of cheese, strips of ham, olives, and feta cubes in the center. Close the dough ball, making sure the filling doesn’t escape during baking.

Place the paninis on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Let them rise for 30 minutes, covering them with a towel.

Step 5: Baking the paninis
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before baking, brush each panini with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a little water to achieve a golden, shiny crust. Sprinkle poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds on top for an appetizing look.

Bake the paninis for 20-30 minutes until they are golden and rise nicely.

Serving tips: These paninis are perfect for any occasion – from a picnic in the park to a quick meal, served alongside a cold yogurt or a glass of Chianti wine. Try pairing them with a fresh green salad for a balanced lunch.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings, adding Kalamata olives for a stronger flavor, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian option. Additionally, instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese for a distinctive flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour? Yes, but the dough will require more water and will have a different texture.
2. How can I store the paninis for later consumption? You can freeze them once they have completely cooled. Reheat them in the oven before serving to restore their crispy texture.
3. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with 10 g of dry yeast, but make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.

May these 'on-the-go' paninis bring you joy and become part of your favorite recipes! With every bite, you will feel the love and passion for cooking, just as Gaetano Biasini did, bringing a touch of history and tradition into your life. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour, 30 g yeast, 700 ml milk, 80 g butter, 2 eggs, 200 g ham, prosciutto or salami to taste, 100 g cheese, 100 g feta, 1 teaspoon of sugar, a pinch of salt, pepper, 100 g pitted olives, poppy seeds and sesame seeds, sunflower seeds.