Most people fall in one of two categories with eggplant: you either Like It or Hate It. I happen to be in the Like It category. Recently I was looking up new sandwich recipes and came across this “sandwich” using grilled eggplant. Not only are these Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches beautiful, but they’re also delicious, incredibly easy and vegetarian.
I misread the recipe and put a slice of mozzarella on each slice of eggplant so I got extra cheesy sandwiches…no big deal! I loved the flavor of the smoky grilled eggplant with the melty cheese, fresh basil and the crunch of the pine nuts…Delicious!
Grilled Eggplant and Mozzarella Sandwiches
-recipe from Bon Appétit Magazine
Makes 4 servings.
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
8 1/2-inch-thick eggplant slices
4 1/4-inch-thick slices part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove
4 large bunches arugula
2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Spray grill with oil spray and prepare barbecue (medium heat). Spray eggplant on both sides with oil spray; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Place 1 cheese slice atop each of 4 eggplant slices; top with remaining eggplant slices. Grill until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
Whisk oil, vinegar and garlic in large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add arugula, tomatoes and basil; toss. Divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Top each with 1 eggplant sandwich.
Tags: arugula, balsamic vinegar, basil, eggplant, fresh mozzarella, Grilling/BBQ, olive oil, pine nuts, tomato
I happen to be in the middle category – like it on occasion but not in love with it. 🙂 These look really good, though!
Does that eggplant sandwich ever look good! I like your extra-cheese version! 🙂
This is such a good idea to use eggplant as the “bread” in a grilled cheese! You could even add some basil & tomato to the sandwich. Looks delicious.