Neapolitan Sandwiches
To prepare these delicious panini, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need fresh yeast, warm water, warm milk, high-quality flour, salt, pepper, and a preferred type of fat, whether it's lard, butter, margarine, or oil. These are essential for achieving a fluffy and flavorful dough that will support the rich filling you will add.
In a deep bowl, place the yeast in warm water and milk, stirring gently until it dissolves completely. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to activate the yeast. In another bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast mixture into this well and mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until combined. If the dough seems too dense, add a little warm water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly until you achieve a soft and elastic consistency.
Once the dough is well mixed, add the salt, pepper, and the chosen fat. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for an hour, or until it doubles in volume.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Flatten it with your hands into a rectangular sheet, being careful not to make it too thick, to allow the filling to integrate well. On this sheet, add diced ham, salami, and cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly. Gently press with your hands so that the ingredients penetrate the dough.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor, and roll the dough tightly to form a cylinder. It is important that the roll is tightly packed to prevent unraveling during baking. Cut the roll into pieces about three fingers wide, so you get 10 panini. Place each piece on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.
Cover the tray with a clean towel and let the panini rise for another two hours. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture. After they have risen, brush them with oil on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the panini for 20-30 minutes, until they are golden and nicely browned. Depending on your oven, they may need more time – keep an eye on their appearance.
When they are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before enjoying. These panini are delicious both warm and cold, perfect for a quick snack or to be shared with friends. If you have leftovers, feel free to freeze them, so you can enjoy them later. This is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, bringing a touch of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients: 400 g flour, 100 ml water, 100 ml milk, 12 g fresh yeast, 3 tablespoons lard (butter, margarine, oil), 1 teaspoon salt, 20 g grated parmesan, 80 g bacon (pancetta), 70 g ham (cooked prosciutto), 150 g cheese (spicy provolone), salt, pepper, oil for greasing on top.
