LM AspirationsLM AspirationsEnjoy grill marks but don’t have an outdoor grill, try an electric indoor press, or grill. It sears, cooks and gives those coveted grill marks all without flame flare ups or charcoal or gas grill smoke.
My latest favorites are grilled sandwiches.
Paninis are always great.
This popular grilled sandwich is traditionally made with Italian bread, cheese, tomatoes, and meat. Sometimes with veggies. The Panini, around since the 16th century, really gained popularity in the US around the 1980s. Nowadays some are trying sweet versions made with fruit and chocolate. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, grill outdoors or use an indoor electric grill be sure to enjoy this favorite.
Ingredients:
Pulled Pork
Swiss
Pulled Pork Sauce
Bread
Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat your electric indoor grill.
Now you are ready to build your sandwich.
Place bottom slice on your indoor grill plate, leave for about 1 minute to lightly toast. On a plate, board or on grill place bottom slice toasted side up. Drizzle slice with olive oil. Add the pulled pork. Top with a few slices of Swiss cheese. Drizzle with a bit of sauce and add the top slice of your baguette. Lower or close your indoor grill lid. Leave for about 2-3 minutes, we just want to heat through and melt the Swiss cheese. Remove from heat and let rest.
This also great for sliders.
Ingredients:
Fresh Mozzarella
2 Tomato es (or 4-5 Campari tomatoes) sliced thin
1/8 – 1/4 tsp dried Basil (or several leaves of fresh Basil chopped)
3 tbsp Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Black Pepper (optional)
Baguette (or Ciabatta)
Directions:
Preheat your electric indoor grill.
Marinate your tomatoes.
Rinse and thinly slice your tomatoes. Place in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle of sea salt and dash of black pepper (optional). Leave in marinade for about 30 minutes.
Slice your fresh mozzarella about ¼ inch.
Now build your sandwich.
Slice your baguette in half and drizzle olive oil on each half. Place both halves olive oil side down on your indoor grill plate, leave for a few seconds to lightly toast. On a plate or board toasted side up place your mozzarella, then marinated tomatoes. Add another layer of mozzarella and tomatoes, if you like. Drizzle with a little marinade, not too much, we want to avoid soggy bread. Place last half of bread toasted side down. Lower or close your indoor grill lid. Leave for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
Ingredients:
Grilled Chicken Breast
Avocado
Lime
Cilantro
Swiss
Bread
Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat your electric indoor grill.
Reheat grilled chicken breast on grill about 3-4 minutes, set aside to cool a bit. Cut open avocado. One half cut into thin slices and drizzle with a lime juice. Other half mash with cilantro, lime juice and a dash of salt. Slice the warm chicken breast, thick or thin whichever you prefer.
Now you are ready to build your sandwich.
Place 2 slices on your indoor grill plate, leave for about 1 minute to lightly toast. On a plate, board or on grill place 1 slice toasted side up. Drizzle slice with olive oil and add on your avocado spread. Top with a few slices of avocado, sure to stay put. Now add your sliced grilled chicken, top with remaining avocado slices and Swiss cheese. Trust me, the Swiss cheese compliments the avocado. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and top with your second slice of bread, toasted side down. Lower or close your indoor grill lid. Leave for about 2-3 minutes, remember we just want to heat through and melt the Swiss cheese. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Bell Peppers – Yellow, orange, red, and/or green
One small yellow onion
Arugula
Mozzarella
Bread
Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat your electric indoor grill.
Prep your veggies.
To clean veggies, some use a 2-3 parts water to 1 part vinegar spray (or soak). You can also add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Leave for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. Others rinse and/or use a fruit & vegetable brush. Whichever you prefer.
Slice bell peppers about ¼ inch, and onions a bit thinner. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a sauté or fry pan. Bring to medium-low heat. Add bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. Add onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. If your onions are transparent your veggies are ready.
Now you are ready to build your sandwich.
Place 2 slices on your indoor grill plate, leave for about 1 minute for a light toast. You’ll need to work quickly. Put 1 slice toasted side up back on your indoor grill, drizzle with olive oil. Now the veggies, arugula, then yellow and orange bell peppers, next onions and red bell peppers, and lastly sliced fresh mozzarella. You can also use mozzarella slices if you don’t have fresh mozzarella. Drizzle some olive oil over your mozzarella, then place your other slice toasted side down on top. Lower or close your indoor grill lid. Leave for about 1-2 minutes, remember we just want to heat through and melt the mozzarella. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Slice and enjoy. Yum!
