Fig and Prosciutto Panini

One of the best cost-saving tips while traveling in Italy is to create your own meals. Obviously if you're staying in a pensione without kitchen privileges you'll be very limited on what you can whip up. But it's not impossible. And lunch time is the best meal to try it on your own. Head to the local shops and stock up on cured meats (prosciutto, salami), cheese, bread, fruit, and then create a sandwich fit for a king.

Create your own sandwiches to save money while traveling in Italy.

Here's my favorite recipe:

Fig and Prosciutto Panini (makes 2 sandwiches)

2 rustic-style rolls (ciabatta or rosetta)

4 ripe figs, sliced thinly (or 2 tbsp. fig jam)

small bunch of arugula lettuce leaves

6 slices prosciutto

1/4 pound Parmesan cheese, sliced thinly

squeeze of lemon, optional

drizzle of olive oil, optional

Slice open each roll horizontally and drizzle olive oil and squeeze of lemon on both sides of bread. Layer figs (or spread jam), prosciutto, and Parmesan. Top with arugula leaves.

And that's it! The flavors are bright and fresh. The sweetness of the figs is a great complement to the saltiness of both the Parmesan cheese and the prosciutto.  

Buon appetito!