Pressed sandwiches

Details

Pressed sandwiches

These posh pressed sandwiches would make a great addition to any lunchbox or picnic.

Pressed Sandwich

  • Make the pesto by putting the basil leaves in a food processor with the pine nuts, garlic and salt. Process together, then add the Parmesan and process again.
  • Add the oil and process once more to make a thick, slightly runny paste. Taste, and add a little more salt if you like, or a little more oil to give a runnier texture.
  • Bake the ciabatta as instructed on the packet and leave to cool. Cut the loaf in half lengthways. Spread the cut sides with the pesto, then distribute the rocket leaves over the base, followed by the ham.
  • Layer the cheese in slices over the ham, then put the top on the loaf and press down lightly with your hand so that everything sticks together.
  • Wrap tightly in cling film, foil or greaseproof paper, as snugly as possible. Put the whole thing in the fridge overnight – preferably between two boards or plates with a small weight on top, such as a tin of tomatoes.
  • Next day, unwrap the sandwich, leaving it on top of the wrapping, and carefully cut it into eight diagonal slices. Rewrap tightly. 

    • Top tip: The sandwiches can be made in individual ciabatta rolls instead of one long one. Wrap them separately and tightly in cling film. As long as this is done firmly, pressing is not essential. You can use a baguette instead of the ciabatta, but it makes more crumbs and is harder to chew.

    Serves 8

    • 1 part-baked ciabatta loaf
    • 3-4 tbsp Pesto Genovese (see below for the recipe)
    • 1 small handful of rocket leaves
    • 100g Italian cooked ham with herbs, thinly sliced
    • 100g Gorgonzola dolce, rind removed

    For the Pesto Genovese:

    • 50g fresh basil leaves
    • 15g pine nuts
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
    • 30g freshly grated Parmesan
    • 40ml olive oil, plus extra if desired

    This and more great recipes are featured in The Picnic Cookbook by Laura Mason (£18.99, National Trust Books).

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Related Articles

    Fondant hedgehog cupcakes
    Recipes & Food
    Fondant hedgehog cupcakes
    Fondant hedgehog cupcakes Want to learn how to make these lovely cupcake-...
    Almond granola bars
    Recipes & Food
    Almond granola bars
    Almond granola bars These almond-scented granola bars are a wonderful, healthy...
    Summery sausage rolls
    Recipes & Food
    Summery sausage rolls
    Summery sausage rolls A summery, lighter take on the comfort food classic....
    Buttermilk posset with peaches and redcurrants
    Recipes & Food
    Buttermilk posset with peaches and redcurrants
    Buttermilk posset with peaches and redcurrants A beautiful dessert for the...

    Gurgle | Editor's Picks
    contractions-what-do-they-feel-like
    Labour and Birth

    How to identify real labour contractions and what they feel like

    are-you-bottle-feeding-correctly
    Newborns

    How to bottle feed your baby correctly

    ovulation-ten-ways-to-tell-you-are-ovulating
    Fertility & Health

    7 signs of ovulation that indicate when you're most fertile

    i-saved-my-choking-baby
    Safety & First aid

    I saved my choking baby

    airline-policies-for-pregnant-women
    Pregnancy

    Airline policies for pregnant travellers

    email block

    recipe-fresh-orange-juice-jelly-boatsRecipes & Food

    Recipe: Fresh orange juice jelly boats

    These taste fabulously fresh - they're pretty too.
    recipe-flourless-banana-pancakes-with-cherry-nice-creamRecipes & Food

    Recipe: Flourless banana pancakes with cherry nice cream

    Crowd-pleasing pancakes that are healthy too.
    are-raisins-the-right-snack-for-toddlersRecipes & Food

    Are raisins the right snack for toddlers?

    Find out if you should you be giving your kids raisins as a snack.
    win-a-joie-stages-fx-worth-190Win

    Win a Joie stages fx worth £190!

    We've teamed up with Joie to offer one lucky Gurgle fan the chance to win a Joie stages FX worth...
    win-a-dreambaby-bathroom-skills-set-valued-at-24-00Win

    Win a Dreambaby® Bathroom Skills Set valued at £24.00 10 x prize packs to win!

    Enter our fantastic competition with Dreambaby for your chance to win one of ten Bathroom Skill Sets.
    win-one-of-three-izmi-baby-toddler-carriersWin

    Win one of Three Izmi Baby Toddler Carriers

    We've teamed up with Izmi Baby to offer three lucky Gurgle fans the chance to win a super comfy, safe...