Mortadella Sandwich With Pesto And Fresh Mozzarella

Mortadella, Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella, yup! what makes this sandwich stand out is the traditional approach to making pesto. Originally made in a mortar and pestle, the flavour and texture you finish with doesn't compare to making it in a food processor or blender. When building your sandwich, add as little or as much as you want when it comes to the ingredients.

MORTADELLA SANDWICH WITH PESTO AND FRESH MOZZARELLA

Recipe by: Mark Calaminici | Food Loves Company

Serves 1

Ingredients

For the Pesto (mortar and pestle required)

or you can use prepared pesto or a food processor/blender to prepare

1-2 cloves garlic

kosher salt, to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tbsp pine nuts

¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, freshly grated

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, more to taste

1 panini roll, sliced

Mortadella, thinly sliced, to taste

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

½ tbsp. white wine vinegar

½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

salt, to taste

freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Dried oregano, to taste

1 ball fresh mozzarella di bufala, torn into pieces

Provolone cheese, sliced – to taste

Method

1. Toss the garlic into the mortar with some salt. Crush the garlic into a paste. Add pine nuts and mash to form a smooth texture. Add basil and mash again to form a creamy texture. Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano and gently grind to fold into mixture. Add extra virgin olive oil and gently fold into the mixture stirring with the pestle. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, add lettuce, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, freshly cracked pepper and dried oregano. Toss to incorporate and set aside.

3. On the bottom half of the bread spread the pesto. Add provolone cheese, mortadella, mozzarella and the shredded iceberg lettuce. Enjoy

Until next time, ciao!