Why Hot Panini Sandwiches are Healthy Food-to-Go

Referred to as Panino or Panini in Italy, these delightful Italian sandwiches have become so familiar in several households and restaurants all over the globe. Normally, a hot Panino is made out of sliced meat, cheese, spices, herbs, vegetables, and, most importantly, the bread loaf sliced in half. Panini sandwiches are grilled using a special Panini press designed to cook these kinds of sandwiches. Although you can make use of the frying pan to grill the sandwich, panini press makes the grilling easier and less messy, and cooks the sandwich way better than an ordinary pan.

Panini sandwiches are said to be fattening by some people, however, this is not always true to all Panini. Panini tastes and flavors may change according to your preferences in ingredients. Let’s just say, you don’t worry about calories and fat in your daily diet. Then Panini ordered from restaurants are most likely the way to go. Panini sandwiches from restaurants are undeniably stuffed with ingredients that are truly heavy for the stomach unless, that is, these restaurants have prepared much healthier Panini for customers looking to lose weight.

However, if you prefer your own style of a hot Panini, then you can take some alternatives and not worry about the fattening components. When I say alternatives, I mean making way for a variety of more nutritious choices or preferences for the ingredients. These alternatives are endless actually and are not bound by any rule.

So to give you a hand in making your personalized hot Panini, find below useful guides for your food preparation and cooking:

• Bread choices vary from white bread, to focaccia, and to ciabatta – turned crunchy to enjoy most. Whole-grain bread is the best choice if you want to maintain your figure.

• Fillings could be freshly sliced or leftover hams, turkey, tuna, chicken, bacon and egg, ; sliced provolone, butter, or mozzarella cheese; sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, or onions; lettuce, basil leaves, red pepper; light mayonnaise or no spread at all; cranberry juice; pesto and olive oil. Pick what you think best suits you, your diet and your taste. For instance, instead of using the regular oil, opt for low-fat oil. Pick leaner portions of the meat, too.

• Remember what I said – no rules on your Panini. So a vegetarian-based Panini is also possible and healthy for people trimming down some pounds. Put in more fresh vegetables, rather than filling it up with bigger portions of meat.

You won’t run out of ideas when making your very own special hot Panini. Just find the best food choices for a low-calorie and low-fat sandwich. The only rule, however, if I may say, that should be followed is to make use of a Panini press or grill. As I mentioned earlier, a Panini grill is much better than a frying pan, but much like your waffle iron that applies heat on top and bottom to cook your sandwich evenly. Making hot Panini sandwiches through a Panini press may take you 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your preference. Nevertheless, hot Panini sandwiches have always been one of the easiest foods to prepare, yet remaining healthy for your starving tummy.