Grilled Italian Hero Sandwich

 

                    A meaty hero sandwich is wonderful when pressed and grilled. Warmed up, the deli ingredients just taste better.

Makes 2 sandwiches

• Two 6-inch lengths baguettes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 cup aragula, washed and dried
• ¼ cup thinly sliced peperoncini
• 2 thin slices (2 ounces) mortadella
• 4 thin slices (2 ounces) prosciutto
• 6 thin slices (2 ounces) hot or sweet soppressata
• 4 thin slices (4 ounces) provolone cheese

1. Heat a panini or sandwich press.
2. Slice the baguette pieces in half lengthwise ; brush the insides with the oil and vinegar.
3. Lay the bread, cut sides up, on a work surface.
4. Arrange the aragula and then the peppers on the bottom halves ; drape the mortadella , prosciutto, and soppressata on top of the vegetables.
5. Top with the provolone ; top each sandwich with the top half of each baguette.
6. Put the sandwiches on the press, and cook until they are browned and crisp and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how hot your machine is.
7. Carefully remove from the press and serve immediately.

BON APPÉTIT