Caramelized Onions, Figs and Goat Cheese Panini
Caramelized onions, figs and goat cheese panini…messy good! I thought I was using up the last of my fresh figs only to find more at Trader Joe’s today… guess I’m not done yet with my fig craze!
This quick panini was so tasty, both savory and sweet in each delicious bite. If you’re not wanting to have a full panini, i.e., two slices of bread for all of you carb watchers, I made this again the next day simply layering on one grilled slice of ciabatta, more like an open-faced sandwich or bruschetta. It made a great appetizer.
Ciabatta is a good choice but any rustic, hearty bread would be perfect. I prefer to slip in the arugula after the panini is grilled as I don’t like to have the arugula all wilty but more as a fresh crisp bite. For the open- faced version, the arugula was added as the last top layer along with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Caramelized Onions, Figs and Goat Cheese Panini
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 cup sliced fresh figs, about 6-8 depending on size
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
4 slices rustic bread, 1/2 inch thick
2-3 tablespoons goat cheese
Handlful of arugula
To caramelize the onions and figs: In a medium size skillet, heat the olive oil and gently cook the onions, kosher salt, pepper and oregano until soft and caramelizing. Stirring often, the caramelization should take about 15-20 minutes. When almost done, add in the figs and balsalmic vinegar. Stir gently to not completely break down the figs but allow the balsamic vinegar to bubble up and thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
To assemble the panini: Place one slice of bread on a grill pan. Smear on the goat cheese and then layer with the caramelized onions and figs. Place the second bread on top and grill until bread is toasted nicely. Remove and open quickly to slip in the arugula. Slice and serve. Makes two paninis.
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
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36 Comments
Kristy
Oh my goodness Linda! Now I have to find more figs! This looks incredible. I can just imagine the sweet onions and figs with the salty goat cheese and the peppery arugula. And how great is that – it makes two meals! Now if I could just get the kids to like figs we’d be all set. 😉 I hope you’re having a great weekend!
spicegirlfla
I loved this combination so much I have had it several times already! I think you’d really like it. My son wasn’t interested in the combo but I know if he had tried it, he’d have changed his mind !
David
Shut the front door! Some of my favorite things all together! Well done!
spicegirlfla
Lol! That’s how I feel about it too!
April
This looks absolutely Heavenly! I will have to look closer at Trader Joe’s this weekend…I haven’t seen figs in a while. Beautiful sandwich!
spicegirlfla
Thanks April. TJs seemed to have them longer than other stores. Sadly the season is short!
Gina
OMG this looks absolutely delicious. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM <3
spicegirlfla
Come home and I will make it for you!
Geni
I watched Modern Family last week and one of the girls was going to college. The parents were driving away looking sad and I burst into tears?! I can’t believe I am missing him one year early. I am really crazy. This sweet reply made me think of what I’ll be saying next year.
Choc Chip Uru
Loving the panini flavours happening here my friend, stunning 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru
Loving the panini flavours happening here my friend, stunning 😀
Especially the figs 😉
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
spicegirlfla
Thank you CCU!
Mandy - The Complete Cook Book
My taste buds are screaming out for this! Beautifully done!
🙂 Mandy
Hotly Spiced
I love fresh figs with goat’s cheese – such a great combination. What a great appetiser. This looks amazing and I’m sure it is full of flavour xx
Kathy
Oh my…this sounds incredibly delicious!! The figs and goat cheese got me right away…lovely!
Amy @ ElephantEats
Oh YUM. I totally love this combination!!! Tangy balsamic with sweet caramelized onions and figs….oh my. And how lucky I am that I just got a panini maker so I can make your recipe 🙂
spicegirlfla
I’ve wanted to get a panini maker. I use my grill pan and a cast iron weight with grill lines. I’m sure you will get a lot of use with it!
betsyb
Your panini is gorgeous, and I love all these flavors together. I’d not thought about caramelized onions with the rest before, but my taste buds say oh, yes!
yummychunklet
I am drooling over that awesome panini concoction!
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
Now that is what I call a sandwich!! Even though I have tempered feelings about figs, I’d take two of these to savor.
Kitchen Belleicious
sweet and salty- just my kind of sandwich! It looks delicious and so creative
ChgoJohn
Late to the party, Linda, and I’m sorry. I’m still trying to catch up after a week away.
Love the sound — and look — of this. Mixing figs with caramelized onions is such a great idea! But why stop there? You sure didn’t and added goat cheese. Heating the entire thing, further blending the flavors … well, I’m salivating here. My dinner of leftover pizza wasn’t a good idea to begin with. Now it’s just sad in comparison.
spicegirlfla
Well speaking of pizza John, I then made a pizza with figs, caramelized onions and goat cheese! You have to try that, it was amazing!
France @ Beyond The Peel
What a perfect merriment of flavors all in a yummy, eat with your hands format.
Geni
I must make one of these soon! I am really loving the figs around here too lately and have been adding them to salads and pizzas, but a panini…I had not thought of this! You are a genius! Your sandwiches always do look incredibly yummy. Love the goat cheese too. You are definitely my foodie soul mate! 🙂 Your flavors are always something I would either whip up or just gobble down.
spicegirlfla
I had just left a reply to John on how I made a pizza with these same ingredients and theN I see your comment. I like how the figs just melt in adding their sweet and unique flavor. So funny Geni, I’ve been looking for my soulmate and now I at least have a foodie soulmate!
Caroline
Oh my gosh this looks incredible!! I can’t stop staring at the photo. Not even kidding. The bread is toasted to perfection, and all of the flavors are perfect together. YUM!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Love the flavor combination that you created for your panini. What is a little mess when it turns out so tasty.
Lisa
Okay, I think I should go back to the store and buy the figs! This is my kind of lunch, quick and easy and tasty!
albertocook
I never used figs with cheese but I think this is delicious…
I like try new flavors.
Thank you for the idea.
Judy
This would be great on crostini as an appetizer.
Barb Bamber | Just a Smidgen
What a luscious, rich and inviting sandwich! The figs must be heavenly all warmed up and squished with cheese!! I love this!
The Hook
This looks fantastic! Why can’t WordPress be enabled with “Taste-o-vision”?
The Squishy Monster
I’m convinced that these are some of the best flavor combinations out there, period!
I love this so much, may I PLEASE have like 5? =)
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