Tomato Scallion Mexican Panini (with Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce)

Last Thursday I was on my way home from work and I wanted to make something quick, perhaps sandwiches. While driving I was thinking of all the ingredients I had on hand and put this recipe together. I came up with the name, “Tomato Scallion Mexican Panini.” I made a sauce to go with these sandwiches as well. You can probably make the same dish using Whole-Wheat wraps and turn this into Quesedillas, unfortunately I didn’t have any on hand. In any case, I assure you, you will NOT be dissapointed.

NUTRITION: Whole wheat bread is a great source of Fiber. Tomatoes and Green Peppers are a great source of Vitamin A and C. In addition, Green Peppers are also great source of Vitamin B6. Lastly, Cheese is a great source of Calcium and Protein.

INGREDIENTS: (for Panini – makes 4 to 5 panini sandwiches)

Whole Wheat bread
Plum Tomato – 2 (chopped)
Green Pepper – 1 (chopped)
Scallion – 1 bunch (chopped)
Cilantro Leaves – 1 handful (chopped – reserve 1 tbsp for the sauce)
Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix – 1 tsp
salt – 1/4 tsp
pepper – very little
Mexican or Mild Cheddar Cheese – (grated) enough to cover slice (demonstrated below)
Olive Oil – need very little to brush 1 side of the bread slice

Get Recipe for Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce

DIRECTIONS:
1. Chop tomatoes, scallion, green pepper, and cilantro.

2. Mix in a bowl and season with very little salt and pepper, and taco seasoning. Set aside your veggie mix.

3. Make the Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce.

4. Take 2 slices of bread, brush olive oil lightly on 1 side of the bread. The oil-coated part of the bread will touch the Panini Press.

5. Add Cheese first. This will bind the sandwich together.

6. Add veggie mix.

7. Top with Sour Cream Cilantro Sauce.

This is how much you will need.

8. Add very little cheese this time. Again, this binds the sandwich together.

9. Top the sandwich with the oil-coated slice touching the Panini Press.

10. Close Panini Press (I use Cusinart). Cook until light turns green.

11. I love those grill marks 🙂 Cut into triangles and enjoy!

Comments

Anonymous says
December 9, 2009 at 5:42 am
wow.. never seen this before. very creative.
Jhiane says
December 17, 2009 at 12:22 am
I have to try this for lunch tommorrow it looks scrumptious
ngs says
December 17, 2009 at 6:05 am
Thank you, Jhiane! I appreciate the comment. Please leave your feedback.
neha says
March 2, 2011 at 4:30 am
tried this today…didnt have any green peppers so used a boiled potato…came out great! was so easy to make, had it with ur indian style cappucino..what a treat :))
honeywhatscooking says
March 2, 2011 at 5:02 am
Awesome Neha. Glad you liked it. It sounds like you made a "mumbai sandwich." 🙂 Didn't you love the cappuccino? It's my favorite.
neha says
March 2, 2011 at 6:20 pm
totally!! i have tried beaten coffee b4 but i think the espresso powder made a lot of difference!!i am a coffeeholic n this cappucino hit the right spot!! have u ever tried the cafe misto at starbucks? its not on the menu, u have to ask for it ..its the closest i hav come to having indian style cappucino here..
honeywhatscooking says
March 6, 2011 at 7:35 pm
@Neha – The espresso powder does make a huge difference. I haven't tried cafe misto at Starbucks, I'll have to ask them. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Anonymous says
June 4, 2011 at 6:15 pm
I made this sandwich today along with your avocado and black bean salad. They are both wonderful! I'm definitely looking forward to trying more of your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing them!
honeywhatscooking says
June 6, 2011 at 4:18 am
Thanks Anonymous – that's sweet. I hope you try the latest one – Spinach and Tomato Panini.