Recipe: Smoked Turkey and Cheese Panini

A crisp crust; warm, tasty fillings; melted cheese — no wonder paninis have become so popular. Here's a quick version filled with smoked turkey from the deli, roasted red pepper, fresh basil and goat cheese.

There's almost no prep work. The sandwich can be assembled in minutes. You don't need a panini press to make it. Simply place the panini in a saute pan and press down with a lid.

Accompany it with Italian Arugula Salad: Combine 4 cups ready-to-eat Italian-style salad greens and 1 cup torn, fresh arugula and toss with 2 tablespoons reduced-fat salad dressing.

This meal contains 616 calories per serving with 30 percent of calories from fat.

HELPFUL HINTS

Shredded sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack or a stronger cheese such as Gorgonzola can be used instead of goat cheese.

Sliced ham or chicken can be used instead of turkey.

Saute the paninis over medium-low heat so the inside warms and the crust crisps without burning.

SHOPPING LIST

To buy: 1 ciabatta bread (about 8 ounces); 1/2 pound sliced, low-sodium, smoked turkey breast; 1 jar roasted red peppers; 1 package crumbled goat cheese; 1 bunch basil; 1 bunch arugula; 1 bag washed, ready-to-eat Italian-style salad.

Smoked Turkey and Cheese Panini

Makes 2 servings

1 ciabatta bread or large sub roll or baguette (about 8 ounces)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 medium garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 pound sliced, low-sodium, smoked turkey breast

1/2 cup sliced, drained, canned roasted red peppers

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

Several fresh basil leaves

Olive oil spray

1. Cut bread into two 5-inch pieces and slice them open lengthwise. Spread olive oil on the top half and sprinkle garlic over the oil. Place turkey on the bottom half. Place roasted red pepper over the turkey. Sprinkle goat cheese over the red pepper and top with 5 or 6 basil leaves. Cover with the top half.

2. Use a panini press if you have one. Otherwise, spray a nonstick skillet, large enough to hold both paninis, with olive oil spray. Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Add the paninis and press down with a lid for about 3 minutes. Turn over and repeat another 3 minutes. Per serving: 586 calories (29 percent from fat), 19.0 g fat (7.3 g saturated, 7.8 g monounsaturated), 94 mg cholesterol, 44.3 g protein, 58.0 g carbohydrates, 2.1 g fiber, 766 mg sodium.

(Linda Gassenheimer is the author of 14 cookbooks including her newest, "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes for People with Diabetes," "The Portion Plan" and "Prevention's Fit and Fast Meals in Minutes.") (c) 2009, The Miami Herald.