PANINO ALLA MARGHERITA

This sandwich made of mozzarella, tomato, and basil is my version of a BLT. It’s simple, quick, and oh so yummy! The term alla Margherita was invented in 1889 when an official from the royal palace asked a local to make pizzas for Queen Margherita. Her favorite was the one made with three toppings: tomato (red), cheese (white), and basil (green)—the tricolore of the Italian flag. So anything using those three toppings is known as alla Margherita.

MAKES 1 SANDWICH

Ingredients:
• 1 slice fresh mozzarella cheese (½ inch thick; about 2 ounces)
• 2 slices rustic white bread (each ½ inch thick)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6 medium-size fresh basil leaves or 3 large
• 2 slices tomato (¼ inch thick) About 2 teaspoons olive oil

Preparation:
Place The Mozzarella Cheese atop 1 bread slice, and sprinkle with half of the salt and some pepper. Top with the basil leaves, then the tomato slices. Sprinkle with the remaining half of the salt and some more pepper, and top with the second bread slice. Brush both sides of the sandwich with the oil.

Preheat a griddle or a ridged grill pan over a medium-low flame. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing down with a metal spatula, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the sandwich to a plate and serve.

This Recipe was published in 'Everyday Italian, 125 Simple and Delicious Recipes by "Giada De Laurentiis"