Smoked Gouda, Tomato, and Caramelized Onion Panini

This sandwich was inspired by a quirky basement cafe in downtown Richmond. They serve a mostly vegetarian menu, and although I'm one who quite appreciates meat, I love this place! Because every dish I've tried has been so dang good. You don't always need meat. Vegetarian cooking can be fabulous. And Ipanema Cafe does it right. It was in one of their wooden booths that I had my first taste of tofu (grilled and sandwiched between fresh rolls with caramelized onions and oven roasted tomatoes ... oh, yum!)

This is my version of Ipanema Cafe's smoked Gouda, tomato, caramelized onion, and thyme panini. Since they serve sweet potato fries on the side, I did the same. It turned out suspiciously similar to the original. I'm thrilled that I can replicate their masterpiece at home, but I have to admit the experience wasn't the same. It was missing the low lighting, candlelit brick walls, and trendy yet friendly waitstaff. Don't worry little cafe, I'll be back as soon as I can to try out the rest of the menu!

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
2 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
1 tomato, sliced
smoked Gouda, thinly sliced or grated
4 slices crusty whole grain bread

DIRECTIONS
1. To caramelize the onions, preheat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and stir to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Reduce the heat as you are cooking if they are beginning to burn. When the onions are done, stir in the fresh thyme.

2. Preheat griddle or panini press to medium-high heat. Stack a slice of bread with Gouda, tomato, caramelized onions, and the other slice of bread. Repeat with the second sandwich. Brush the outside with butter, olive oil, or spray with cooking spray. Grill on preheated press until the cheese has melted and the outside is crisp and golden brown. Slice and serve immediately.

Serves 2.

(Inspired by Ipanema Cafe)