BEST CIABATTA SANDWICH RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Remove the steak from the fridge and let it come to room temperature, then cover it with greaseproof paper and bash it with the base of a pan to tenderise and make it all roughly the same thickness.
  2. Meanwhile, peel the onions, also removing the first layer of flesh (reserve this for a soup or stew), then slice into 2cm-thick rounds.
  3. Put the butter, a lug of oil and the sugar into a large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Once the butter has melted, place the onions into the pan in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vinegar, pop the lid on, reduce the heat to low and cook for around 35 minutes, or until beautifully golden and caramelised on the bottom only, adding splashes of water to loosen, if needed.
  5. Meanwhile, pop the ciabatta into the oven, turn onto 110°C/225°F/gas ¼ and leave to warm through.
  6. Season the steak all over with sea salt and black pepper. Place a large non-stick heavy-bottomed pan on a high heat. Once screaming hot, drizzle the steak with olive oil, then put it into the pan and cook for 3 minutes on each side for medium, or to your liking.
  7. Remove to a plate, rest for 1 minute, then slice 1cm thick and toss through its own resting juices with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  8. Cut the warm ciabatta in half and rub the inside of each piece in the steak resting juices. Spread on some mustard, if you like, then layer over the caramelised onions, the steak and pinches of watercress.
  9. Pop the other piece of bread on top, press down lightly, carve up into decent chunks and get involved.

Steps:

• For the spicy olive spread: In a bowl, mix together the pimentos, olives, mayo, jalapenos, vinegar and green onions until combined. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• For the sandwich: Lightly dress the iceberg in the olive oil and vinegar.
• Split the ciabatta in half lengthwise. Smear half of the spicy olive spread onto the bottom half of the bread and the other half onto the top half of the bread. Spoon half of the ranch dressing on one side and spread, then repeat with the other side. On the bottom half, layer half the meat and cheese. Top with the iceberg, followed by the remaining meat and cheese. Finally, put the top half of the ciabatta on top. Wrap in plastic wrap and place on a baking sheet with a second baking sheet and a heavy iron skillet on top to weigh it down. Put in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
• To serve: Slice into 4 pieces.