A panini menu, just like a regular menu, lists the options or selections available in a particular restaurant. The difference is that it focuses on a type of sandwich called panino. This is the proper name for a hot pressed sandwich with hearty fillings. As there are virtually countless varieties of panini, there are also myriads of menus devoted to each kind. Though originally an Italian food, Americans and other people developed a taste for panini and so menus are developed to suit American taste. There are menus tailored by restaurants for their own customers, and still others developed and used by panini aficionados when they make their own home made panini.
In Italy where panini first became popular (and where panini refers to the plural form, panino is singular), panini are comprised of a relatively dense bread, strongly flavored meats, some cheese that goes well with the meat fillings, as well as a toss of greens. Commonly used Italian breads (which incidentally are also favorite mainstays in the US because they hold up well on the grill) include, sourdough, ciabatta and foccacia. Meats traditionally include cappicolla, salami, prosciutto, pastrami and pepperoni, while cheeses that are usually partnered with them are provolone, asiago and mozzarella. Veggies are also increasingly finding their way in the menu not just as toppings but as main panini fillings as well. This is thanks to the increasing health consciousness of American consumers. Veggies might include eggplant, lettuce, spinach, red peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, onions and olives. Many of these vegetables are grilled and then added to the panini for added flavor.
A quick browse of a typical panini menu reveals that usual Italian ingredients are giving way to items that are available locally and more attuned to American taste. For instance, a well known restaurant with several locations around Los Angeles feature panini filled with chicken breast, roasted turkey breast, ground chuck and albacore tuna alongside American cheeses and greens. Another respected establishment with locations nationwide carry panini menus with an all-American feel alongside the traditional Italian panino, like Gobbler (main filling is Sausalito turkey), South Side (roast beef) and Bronx (corned beef with coleslaw and thousand island dressing).
It goes without saying that most panini menus contain both American and Italian meats and cheeses. This not surprising, given that panini traces its roots back to Italy and a lot of us have developed a taste for Italian food. As a rule, panini itself is a food that can take in any filling, the only limitation is your imagination and the availability of fillings that you’d like to mix and match.
Sabrina Rocca
Author: Easy Panini Recipes
Visit www.easypaninirecipes.com for free gifts and recipes. Easy Panini Recipes contains over 50 easy to follow, step-by-step panini recipes that will make anyone look like a gourmet chef!
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