Sandwiches with Cheese and Caramelized Onions

Directions

1. 1

   Step 1

   

   Peel the garlic and onion. Prepare two pans for frying: it will be more convenient.

2. 2

   Step 2

   

   Slice the onion into thin half-rings. Heat half of the olive oil and half of the butter in a pan. Add the sliced onion and sauté over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Step 3

   

   Pour the balsamic vinegar and Jerusalem artichoke syrup over the onion. Add salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, for another 5–7 minutes. The onion will turn a beautiful caramel color and become even softer. Remove the pan from the heat.

   TipIf the onion starts to burn, add 1–2 tbsp. of hot water.

4. 4

   Step 4

   

   Spread one side of the bread slices with the remaining butter. Place the buttered side down on a clean, preheated pan and toast only that side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the bread to a plate and rub the toasted side of each slice with garlic.

5. 5

   Step 5

   

   Coarsely grate the mozzarella. Layer the filling on the untoasted side of two slices: first a layer of grated mozzarella, then the caramelized onion, and another layer of mozzarella. Cover with the remaining bread slices, toasted side up.

6. 6

   Step 6

   

   Heat the remaining olive oil in any pan. Place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula, until the cheese melts and the bread becomes crispy.

   TipIf the cheese isn't melting, cover the pan with a lid for 1 minute.

7. 7

   Step 7

   

   Serve the sandwiches immediately after cooking, while the cheese is still nice and stretchy.