Grilled Eggplant Panini

By junerodgers

Grilled eggplant is one of life's simpler pleasures: creamy and rich. Look for medium-size, purple eggplants with firm skins and no mushy spots. This end-of-summer treat will be even tastier if you can find the vegetables at a local farmstand—or in your own backyard!

Ingredients

• 2 T reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 T chopped fresh basil
• 2 T extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 1/2-inch slices eggplant, (about 1 small)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 8 slices whole-grain country bread
• 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
• 4 thin slices red onion

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.

2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.

3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side
.
4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.