Neapolitan Panini

Neapolitan Panini - Rolls with Style and Flavor

Cook with heart and mind! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that blends tradition and creativity in every bite: Neapolitan Panini. These delicious rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a picnic with friends, or simply a culinary treat at home. Let’s embark on a flavorful culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 8 rolls

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (ideally type 00 for a finer texture)
- 100 ml lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk (whole milk provides a richer flavor)
- 100 g butter (softened, but not melted, for a tender dough)
- 30 g grated cheese (you can use Parmesan or ricotta for extra flavor)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g of dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 egg + 3 tablespoons milk (for brushing)

For the filling:
- 4 suitable sausages (or any type of preferred deli meats)
- French fries (a crunchy and delicious choice)
- Mozzarella (or any cheese that melts well)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Neapolitan Panini are inspired by the culinary tradition of regions where stuffed bread was an ingenious way to make the most of available ingredients. These rolls have evolved over time, becoming a versatile and beloved dish worldwide. Each homemaker has her own version, adding ingredients that reflect her family's tastes. Thus, Neapolitan Panini can be customized according to individual preferences, transforming into a truly unique meal.

Step-by-Step Technique

Step 1: Activating the yeast
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast cube in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to work.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. In a larger bowl, sift the flour. Add the salt, pepper, and grated cheese, mixing the dry ingredients well.
2. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk with the activated yeast.
3. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the lukewarm water. Knead for about 10 minutes until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. A helpful tip: if the dough sticks to your hands, add a little flour, but avoid overdoing it to prevent a dry dough.

Step 3: Letting the dough rise
1. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until it doubles in volume. A good idea is to place it in a turned-off but warm oven to create an ideal rising environment.

Step 4: Shaping the rolls
1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you have a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick.
2. Cut the dough into suitable rectangular shapes, depending on the desired size of the rolls.
3. In the center of each rectangle, add the desired filling: a few sausages, some French fries, and cubes of mozzarella. Don’t overfill to avoid leaks.

Step 5: Rolling and placing on the baking tray
1. Roll each rectangle of dough with the filling, ensuring the edges are well sealed. You can use water to seal the edges if necessary.
2. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.

Step 6: Brushing the rolls
1. Beat the egg together with the 3 tablespoons of milk and brush each roll with the mixture. This will give the rolls a beautifully golden and glossy crust.

Step 7: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. A personal tip: to check if they are baked, lightly tap the bottom of a roll; if it sounds hollow, they’re done!

Serving Suggestions

These Neapolitan Panini are fantastic served warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt dip. You can also enjoy them with a glass of chilled white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade.

Variations and Combinations

Feel free to experiment with the fillings! You can add roasted vegetables, mushrooms, olives, or even slices of crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, replace the deli meats with vegetables and feta or cottage cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, activating it in the same way.

2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge, but make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of these rolls?
These Neapolitan Panini are a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and protein from the cheese and meat. Additionally, if you add vegetables to the filling, you will also get essential vitamins.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Panini are not just a delicious recipe, but also an opportunity to explore creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these rolls will bring joy and flavor to every meal. So, let’s put on our aprons and enjoy this delight! Enjoy your meal!