Eggplant and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Sandwiches Recipe

"This is such a great sandwich, and perfect for a 'Meatless Monday' dinner; or, a nice lunch. Personally, I love a creamy bowl of potato, leek, or asparagus soup with one of these sandwiches for dinner; especially during the summer, when you want a lighter dinner. I have also made these using the 'party pumpernickel loafs' as appetizers - which are favorites for my vegetarian friends."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Aioli ... Add the mayonnaise, garlic, parsley and lemon juice to a small bowl and mix to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2

Red Peppers ... If red bell peppers are in season and affordable, you can make your own. But these days, I almost always have a couple of jars in my pantry. You want to have about 4 roasted red pepper slices per sandwich (depending on the size), so you may need 2 jars for 4 sandwiches.

Step 3

Eggplant ... Add the eggplant to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil; drizzle with oil, and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Bake in a 425 degree preheated oven, middle shelf, for 10-15 minutes until tender. It isn't necessary to flip them during cooking. Remove from the oven, transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to cool.

Step 4

Sandwich ... The first slice of bread spread with a little aioli, red onion slice breaking up the rings, eggplant (1 or 2 slices, depending on the size), 2 tomato slices (also seasoned with a little salt and pepper), basil leaves, goat cheese; and finish with the top slice of bread, also spread with a little aioli.

Step 5

Grill ... Spray or brush a grill or saute pan with olive oil, and bring to medium heat. Add your sandwiches and cook 3-5 minutes per side. You are just trying to crust up the bread and warm up the sandwich - they don't take too long; so, don't try to rush it - too hot of a pan, and they will burn before the sandwich is heated through.

Step 6

Serve and ENJOY! A great lunch dish; or, perfect for a light dinner - served along side a bowl of creamy soup. Note: Goat cheese melts better than Feta which is why I like this; but, Feta can easily be substituted.