Grilled Eggplant Panini

Feb 17th 2010

I have already mentioned that the Mr has a love affair with this vegetable, so this was something I made for his surprise birthday bash, right after the guests came, 'cos it was just that easy :) This is a super easy dish to make on the spot if you do the prep work earlier. Having a good panini maker is the key! 

You could alternatively toast this on the pan but would be more work and not the same taste.

Difficulty level : Easy

Time: 35 min (prep time), 2 mins (per panini)

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Olive oil
• Eggplant  (big fat purple one)
• Basil (chopped)
• Roasted red pepper (in a jar)
• Bread (Oat N Nut or the like)
• Mozzarella Cheese Slices
• Onion sliced
• Salt

Method de Preparation

1. Cut the eggplant in thin slices and just brush with oil on both sides and sprinkle just a little bit of salt. Set the oven to either broil or at 475 F and then grill on both sides.  If you use the broil setting make sure you check constantly so that the veggie does not burn (~ 6 min). Slicing the eggplant thin ensures that it is cooked well.
2. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and the chopped basil and keep aside.
3. To assemble the sandwiches, slightly brush with olive oil on both sides of the bread, spread the mayo mix on one side, place eggplant and the sliced onions and a couple of roasted pepper slices on top. Add the mozzarella slice and place the other slice of bread (oiled on both sides too).
4. Grill in the panini maker till desired.
5. And voila, slice and serve.

Source: I found the recipe here but have modified it some to suit my convenience. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/eggplant_panini.html

Tip: At times you could do a simple panini without the eggplant and with a panini maker, it would taste good too. Everything else can be kept the same. Cut in smaller triangles, they make great appetizers too.