Grilled Fresh Mozzarella Sandwiches with Olive Paste and Roasted Red Peppers
4 teaspoons olive paste
4 slices european-style country bread
3 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese , grated on large holes of box grater
2 ounces roasted red peppers cut into 1/2-inch strips
Ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic , peeled and halved
1. Heat a heavy 12-inch skillet over low to medium-low heat. Meanwhile, spread 1 teaspoon olive paste on each slice of bread. Sprinkle half of cheese over two bread slices. Top each with a portion of roasted red pepper strips, a few grinds of black pepper, remaining cheese, and remaining bread slice, pressing down gently to set.
2. Brush sandwich tops completely with half the olive oil; place each sandwich, oiled side down, in skillet. Brush remaining side of each sandwich completely with remaining oil. Cook until crisp and deep golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes per side, flipping sandwiches back to first side to re-heat and crisp, about 15 seconds. Rub the toasted sandwiches with the garlic half. Serve.