Eggplant Sandwich Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Italian Dish

Eggplant Sandwich

Eggplant Sandwich Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Italian Dish
Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Eggplant Sandwich
Eggplant Sandwich

Eggplant sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal option for vegetarians and vegans alike. This recipe combines the rich and meaty texture of eggplant with the freshness of juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves, all sandwiched between slices of hearty vegan bread.

History

Eggplant sandwiches have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Eggplants are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways, making them a popular choice for sandwiches.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. 1. Slice an eggplant into round slices that are approximately 0.25 inches thick. Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for about an hour to remove bitterness. Rinse the slices and pat them dry. Place the slices on a cookie sheet and bake them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they become soft. Alternatively, you can grill the slices. Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to make a sandwich.
  2. 2. It's sandwich time! Take some delicious vegan bread, and if desired, warm it up slightly. Layer the eggplant slices, juicy fresh tomato slices, and the key ingredient, fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!

Variations

  • You can customize this eggplant sandwich by adding other ingredients such as roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your eggplant slices are not bitter, be sure to sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about an hour before rinsing and baking or grilling them. This will help to remove any bitterness from the eggplant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this eggplant sandwich with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking or grilling the eggplant slices helps to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are not a fan of eggplant, you can substitute it with grilled zucchini or portobello mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant slices in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the sandwich.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this eggplant sandwich on a plate with a garnish of fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This eggplant sandwich pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover eggplant sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this eggplant sandwich contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this eggplant sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this eggplant sandwich contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this eggplant sandwich contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggplants are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, eggs, and nuts. However, be sure to check the ingredients in your bread to ensure that it does not contain any allergens.

Summary

This eggplant sandwich is a nutritious and satisfying meal option that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This eggplant sandwich is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner for a satisfying and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Tuscany, Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was a master in the kitchen and she passed down her love for cooking to me.

One summer day, as I was helping Nonna Maria in the garden, she pointed to a beautiful purple vegetable growing on a vine. "That, my dear, is an eggplant," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Have you ever tried it before?"

I shook my head, curious about this mysterious vegetable. Nonna Maria chuckled and led me back to the kitchen. She pulled out a worn recipe card from her collection and began to explain how to make an eggplant sandwich.

First, she sliced the eggplant into thin rounds and sprinkled them with salt to draw out the bitterness. While we waited for the eggplant to sweat, Nonna Maria whipped up a simple marinara sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs from the garden. The smell of simmering sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water.

Once the eggplant had released its moisture, Nonna Maria rinsed them and patted them dry. She dipped each slice in beaten eggs and then coated them in breadcrumbs before frying them to a golden crisp. The sizzling sound of the eggplant cooking was music to my ears.

As the eggplant sandwiches came together, Nonna Maria layered them with the marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. She grilled them until the cheese was melted and bubbly, then served them on crusty bread with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. The first bite was a revelation – the creamy eggplant, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese all melded together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged Nonna Maria to teach me how to make the eggplant sandwiches, and she patiently guided me through each step. I watched her hands move with skill and precision, soaking up every detail of the recipe.

Over the years, I made the eggplant sandwiches countless times, experimenting with different variations and adding my own twist to the recipe. I shared them with friends and family, who raved about the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

As I grew older and traveled to different parts of the world, I discovered that the eggplant sandwich was a versatile dish that could be adapted to suit any cuisine. In France, I added goat cheese and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist. In Mexico, I used spicy salsa and avocado for a south-of-the-border flair.

No matter where I went, the eggplant sandwich remained a staple in my cooking repertoire. It was a dish that brought people together, sparking conversations and creating memories around the dinner table.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of roasting eggplant and bubbling marinara sauce, I can't help but think back to that fateful day in Tuscany when Nonna Maria introduced me to the magic of the eggplant sandwich. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, a timeless classic that will always hold a special place in my heart.

So here I am, passing on the tradition to you, my dear grandchild. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I have. And remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Buon appetito!

Categories

| Basil Recipes | Eggplant Recipes | Eggplant Side Dish Recipes | Italian Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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