Pressed Broccoli Rabe And Mozzarella Sandwiches Recipes

PRESSED BROCCOLI RABE AND MOZZARELLA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Pour water to a depth of 1 in [2.5 cm] into a medium pot and set over high heat. When the water boils, add a large pinch of salt and then the broccoli rabe and cook, stirring, until bright green and slightly wilted, about 30 seconds. Drain the broccoli rabe in a colander, wipe the pot dry, and return it to high heat. Add 2 Tbsp of the olive oil, the garlic, and the red pepper flakes and stir the garlic into the oil until it's fragrant, just 15 seconds. Immediately add the drained broccoli rabe and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until the broccoli rabe is coated with the garlicky oil and is a bit more softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set the broccoli rabe aside to cool down a bit.
• In a small bowl, combine the olives, capers, vinegar, the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, and a small pinch of salt and stir together. Place the rolls, cut-side up, on a work surface and evenly distribute the olive mixture among the rolls, putting some on both halves of each roll. Divide the mozzarella and broccoli rabe evenly among the rolls, close the rolls, and then tightly wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap. Place something flat and heavy on top of the sandwiches, such as a large cast-iron skillet. Let the sandwiches sit under this weight for at least an hour before eating or putting them in your backpack.

BROCCOLI RABE CROSTINI

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 bunch chopped broccoli rabe; season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook until the broccoli rabe is wilted, about 5 minutes. Toast 1 sliced baguette in a 350 degrees F oven, 6 to 8 minutes. Top each toast with a thin slice of fresh mozzarella and the broccoli rabe. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar.

ITALIAN COMBO AND BROCCOLI RABE PRESSED HERO

Steps:

• Put the 1/4 cup olive oil and the garlic slices in a large skillet and place over medium heat. When the garlic starts to turn a light golden brown, add the broccoli rabe, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Stir to coat evenly in the oil. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn the heat down to low. Cook until the broccoli rabe stems are just tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir in the cherry pepper pickling liquid and cook until the pan is dry, an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
• Slice the semolina loaf horizontally and lay the two halves cut-side up. Pull out some of the bread from both halves (reserve for another use), leaving a 1/2--inch border. Drizzle both halves with some olive oil. Spread half of the broccoli rabe on the bottom half. Layer on the cherry peppers, provolone, prosciutto, salami, mortadella, the remaining broccoli rabe and the top half of bread. Wrap tightly in parchment, wax paper or plastic wrap and tie with twine if necessary. Place a brick (see Cook's Note) or cast-iron skillet on top for at least 3 hours to flatten, refrigerated. About 45 minutes before serving, bring the sandwich to room temperature.

PRESSED SANDWICH WITH PROSCIUTTO AND BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Slice bread in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard soft interior. Place loaf in oven until toasted, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove; spread 1 side with goat cheese. Top with Peppadews, broccoli rabe, prosciutto, and basil. Spread other half of bread with tapenade.
• Sandwich; wrap tightly in plastic. Place a heavy skillet on top, weighted down with canned goods; refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Slice and serve.

ITALIAN-STYLE BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Combine 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, anchovy paste, and salt in the bowl of a small food processor; blend into a paste.
• Remove leaves from broccoli rabe and cut off and discard the bottom 1/4 of the stalks. Cut remaining stalks into pieces.
• Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add broccoli rabe and cook uncovered for 1 minute. Drain in a colander and immediately immerse in the ice water for several minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain. Wrap broccoli rabe in cheesecloth, place in a strainer, and run under water for 10 minutes. Periodically press the rabe to "wring out" any bitter fluids. Pat dry and transfer to a resealable bag. Add anchovy paste and crushed red peppers; marinate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until browned and fragrant but not burned, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 teaspoon olive oil to the skillet. Add broccoli rabe and cook until fork tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a plate, top with pine nuts, and drizzle with lemon juice.

PRESSED MOZZARELLA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Lightly brush sandwich bread with olive oil; turn slices, oiled sides down. Top half the bread with half the cheese; season with salt and pepper. Spread pesto or tapenade over cheese, then top with peppers and remaining cheese and bread.
• Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan (work in batches, if needed); weight with a heavy skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, pressing down firmly with skillet, until bread is golden and cheese is melted, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Serve warm.

GRILLED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) AND MOZZARELLA SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Prepare a moderately hot grill.
• On a platter, pour 2 T dressing over eggplant slices, (I brush the slices to cut back on calories).
• Grill eggplant over moderate heat, brushing with more dressing, until charred and soft on the inside, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, brush cut sides of rolls with remaining dressing, place around edge of grill, and toast until a golden brown, about 2 minutes.
• Layer rolls with eggplant, cheese, tomato, and basil leaves and replace tops.