Carlo

Carlo is a celebrated Italian street-food sandwich that originated in the coastal city of Sanremo, Italy. It is built around a base of schiacciata, a thin, crispy flatbread similar to focaccia, which is split and generously filled. The defining components include high-quality mortadella, creamy stracchino cheese, and a generous layer of pistachio pesto, which gives the sandwich its distinctive nutty flavor and vibrant green color. Additional ingredients often include fresh arugula and sun-dried tomatoes, which add peppery and tangy notes.

A great version of Carlo is distinguished by the quality of its ingredients and the texture of the bread. The schiacciata must be freshly baked, with a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior that can hold the fillings without becoming soggy. The pistachio pesto should be rich and aromatic, not overly oily, and the mortadella should be sliced thin to allow its delicate flavor to shine. The balance between the creamy cheese, savory meat, and nutty pesto is crucial.

Regional variations may substitute different cheeses, such as fresh mozzarella or burrata, or add grilled vegetables like zucchini. One notable venue is **Schiacciata in Edizione Limitata** in Sanremo, praised by **Restory Food** for its authentic execution of the classic recipe.