Giant Italian Panini

Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup pickled banana peppers + 1 tbsp brine (optional)
• 1/4 cup green olives stuffed with pimento peppers
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 loaf of soft Italian bread, 40 cm in diameter.
• 1 small plum tomato, thinly sliced
• 110 g thin slices of Genoa salami
• 110 g thin slices of ham
• 60 g thin slices of coppa
• 110 g thin slices of provolone cheese
• 2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. Combine the banana peppers, olives, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Cut the loaf of bread in half horizontally, leaving one side uncut, to open it like a book.
3. Brush the inside with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Layer the tomato slices, then the salami, ham, coppa, and provolone. Top with the pepper and olive paste. Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil and sandwich between two baking sheets; place a cast iron skillet on top for added weight.
4. Bake until bread is crispy and cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the pepper brine, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Toss with the romaine lettuce. Before serving, unwrap the sandwich and cut into wedges. Serve with a salad.