Papanel

Egg and Mortadella Papanele

Papanele are a delicacy that combines the rusticity of bread with the finesse of eggs, creating a quick and filling dish, perfect for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch. This simple yet flavorful recipe has deep roots in traditional gastronomy, where each ingredient tells its own story. In the following, I will guide you through the necessary steps to prepare these delicious papanele, providing you with useful tips for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread (preferably homemade bread or a baguette)
- 2 fresh eggs
- 50 g cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 50 g mortadella (or bologna, optional)
- 2 large tomatoes for salad
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying

The history of papanele is fascinating, being a recipe that has been adapted over time in various cultures. It is said to have been created out of the necessity to utilize leftover bread, transforming into a hearty and flavorful dish.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Cut the cheese and mortadella into small cubes. This will facilitate their melting during cooking.

2. Creating the hole:
Using a knife or a round cutter, create a hole in the middle of each slice of bread. This step is essential for adding the egg later.

3. Frying the bread:
In a pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the slices of bread in the pan, allowing them to fry on one side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Adding the egg:
Carefully flip the slices of bread so that the holes are facing up. Crack an egg into each hole, adding a pinch of salt on top. Let the egg cook for 2-3 minutes until the white becomes opaque.

5. Finishing:
Using a spatula, flip the slices again, but only leave them for a minute. This step will help cook the yolk while keeping the texture soft.

6. Adding cheese and mortadella:
In the last 30 seconds of cooking, sprinkle the cheese and mortadella cubes on top of the egg. They will melt slightly and blend perfectly with the taste of the egg and bread.

7. Preparing the salad:
Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and cut them into slices or cubes, adding salt to taste. This salad will bring a fresh and tangy contrast to the dish.

8. Serving:
Place the papanele on plates, with the less fried side facing up. Garnish with the tomato salad on the side and, if desired, drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes for added flavor.

Useful tips:
- Use high-quality bread; older bread will work better as it is less moist.
- If you don’t have mortadella, you can use any other type of preferred cold cuts or even fried vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Papanele are also excellent cold, so feel free to prepare them in advance!

Nutritional benefits:
This papanele recipe offers a good source of protein from the eggs and cheese, while the tomatoes add essential vitamins and antioxidants. Although it is a simple recipe, the balance of nutrients makes it an excellent choice for daily meals.

Personalized version:
For a unique touch, try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill to the tomato salad. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to achieve various flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain bread?
Yes, whole grain bread will add extra fiber and make the dish healthier.
- What can I do with leftovers?
If you have leftover bread, you can turn the papanele into a delicious appetizer for guests or a quick snack.

Papanele are a simple yet flavorful and traditional recipe that can be adapted in numerous ways. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or even with a glass of freshly squeezed juice for a complete breakfast. Don’t hesitate to experiment and customize the recipe to suit your tastes!