Organic Sourdough, Spinach, and Chicken Panini
Delight in this delectable Organic Sourdough, Spinach, and Chicken Panini. The sourdough bread, a product of natural fermentation, brings not only a tangy flavor but also an array of health benefits. Made with grass-fed ghee, this recipe serves four, perfect for a healthy family lunch or an intimate gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of organic sourdough bread
- Organic pasture-raised chicken breasts
- 2 large tomatoes sliced thick
- 2 cups of fresh organic spinach
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- A sprig of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grass-fed ghee for sautéing and spreading
- Pecorino cheese
Instructions:
1. Begin with the lemon poached chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan, add water just enough to cover the chicken. Add the thyme, half the lemon zest, and some salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, let it cool, then shred it.
2. While the chicken is cooling, heat a teaspoon of ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Stir in the lemon juice, the rest of the zest, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread a thin layer of ghee on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On the other side of four slices, evenly distribute the chicken, sautéed spinach, tomatoes and cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread, ghee side up.
4. Cook the sandwiches in a Panini press or on a griddle until the bread is toasted and everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve the Paninis warm.
The sourdough bread in this recipe is a fermented food that brings unique health benefits. It is more easily digestible than regular bread due to the fermentation process, which breaks down some of the gluten and antinutrients. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it won't spike blood sugar levels as much as non-fermented breads. Additionally, sourdough bread contains probiotics and prebiotics that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Grass-fed ghee, a form of clarified butter, contributes a rich, buttery flavor to this recipe. Ghee is a healthy fat that offers anti-inflammatory properties and a high concentration of vitamins A and E. Enjoy this savory, hearty, and nutritious Panini, where every ingredient contributes to your wellness and gastronomic satisfaction!
