I know, it sounds amazing right?!?!? It really is a delicious sandwich though I can’t take credit for the idea… I’ve seen this one on tons of those traveling food shows. Those shows always leave the hubby and I drooling, starving and a little jealous of the people that live near some of those places! Every time we see an episode with this type of sandwich I am told that I need to make this… so I finally did! Roast Pork, Broccoli Rabe & Provolone Panini is one FANTASTIC meal!

The roast pork is simply flavored with olive oil, salt and pepper and cooked to golden juicy perfection, sliced nice and thin. The broccoli rabe is sautéed with a bit of garlic and adds a great bite and contrast to the pork. The melted gooey yummy provolone holds everything together! I happened to have some homemade bread on hand which makes this really great but you can find a great loaf of peasant bread at the grocery store. Put it all together, press in a panini press and wow!!! This is a winner!!

This recipe is also a perfect way to use up leftover pork! Pork is one of those things that are not easy to reheat as is because it dries out, this way the meat is just slightly heated through and soaks up the juices from the broccoli rabe. I happened to have a large roast to cook but you could certainly use a pork tenderloin if you are only making a couple paninis.

*I will note, the next time I make this I want to try to cook the pork in the slow cooker so I can shred it and let it really soak up the natural juices*

5 lb pork roast

(again, use a smaller roast if just looking to make a couple sandwiches & don’t want leftover meat)

8 slices provolone

a small bunch broccoli rabe

4 slices crusty peasant bread (or something similar)

a couple garlic cloves sliced

olive oil

salt & pepper

Oven at 325 degrees.

Place the pork roast on a lined baking sheet. In a small bowl mix together olive oil, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture generously all over the pork. Cook for approx 1 hour- 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 145- 150 degrees.

Allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes then thinly slice 6-8 slices for 2 sandwiches. Go ahead and give that golden crust a taste… its amazing what just salt and pepper can do!

For the broccoli rabe, cook in boiling water until just tender. Drain and set aside. Into the same pot, over medium heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, toss the broccoli rabe in.

Now to assemble this beauty. Line a slice of bread with a couple slices of provolone. Top with a few slices of pork then a generous helping of broccoli rabe. Top with a couple more slices of provolone then another piece of bread.

Place onto a preheated panini grill, set a medium to medium high heat. Once the panini is pressed down and golden you are all set, it usually takes my about 8 minutes or so. Slice on a diagonal and enjoy this fabulous sandwich!

HAPPY EATS!!!