Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich

Are you craving for a scrumptious and filling eggplant parmesan sandwich? Don't look further! This ultimate guide will help you ace the recipe and enjoy your favorite sandwich in no time.

Whether vegan or a meat lover, this recipe can be customized to meet your preferences. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's get started!

Preparing the Eggplant

You will need a firm and fresh-looking eggplant that's medium to large in size. Cut the eggplant into ¼-inch thick slices, keeping the skin intact.

Sprinkle salt on each slice and place it on a paper towel for 30 minutes. This will remove any excess moisture from the eggplant.

Coating the Eggplant

After the eggplant slices have been drained, it's time to coat them with a layer of breadcrumbs. You can use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

Dip each slice in egg wash, then coat them with breadcrumbs on both sides. Once coated, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly browned.

Preparing the Marinara Sauce

While the eggplant is cooking, it's time to start working on the marinara sauce. This is a crucial step in making the perfect eggplant parmesan sandwich. You can either use homemade sauces or store-bought ones.

In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

Assembling the Sandwich

Now that the eggplant slices and marinara sauce are ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Use a ciabatta or sourdough bread roll to hold the sandwich together. You can spread some butter or mayo on the roll to add some flavor.

Add a layer of the marinara sauce on one side of the roll. Place a generous amount of eggplant slices on top of the sauce.

Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the eggplant. Repeat the layers until you reach the desired thickness.

Baking the Sandwich

Once the sandwich is assembled, it's time to bake it in the oven for a few minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and bake it for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is crispy. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into halves.

Tips for Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Ingredient

If you are a fan of eggplant parmigiana, then you know how delicious it is, both as a main course and as a sandwich filling. But, making it is not as easy as it seems.

The secret to a great sandwich lies in the choice of your eggplant. Here are a few tips on how to choose the perfect eggplant for your sandwich.

Go for a Firm and Glossy Eggplant

When choosing an eggplant, it's important to pick one that is firm and smooth to the touch. Eggplants that have a dull appearance or are overly soft to the touch will not cook up well and will be too mushy to make a good sandwich.

The eggplant should have a glossy and shiny skin, which means it is fresh and ripe.

The Size of the Eggplant Matters

When making an eggplant parmesan sandwich, size matters. You want to choose an eggplant that is the right size for your sandwich.

A large eggplant might be too tough and chewy and could overpower the other flavors in the sandwich. Make sure to choose an eggplant that is of medium size, about 8 to 10 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.

Check the Color of the Eggplant

Eggplants come in different colors. The most common color is purple, but you can also find eggplants in white or green colors. When choosing an eggplant, check the color of the skin.

A deep purple color is also a good indicator that the eggplant is ripe and fresh. If the eggplant is white or green, check if the skin is glossy and firm to the touch.

Look for an Eggplant With Fewer Seeds

Eggplants with fewer seeds are better for eggplant sandwiches. Seeds can make the eggplant bitter and add to the texture.

You can tell if an eggplant has fewer seeds by looking for one that is heavier for its size. This is an indicator of a ripe eggplant with fewer seeds.

Creative Variations on the Traditional Eggplant Parm Sandwich

Did you know that you can create even more variations of this delicious sandwich? From gluten-free to vegan options, the possibilities are endless. Here are some creative ways to elevate the traditional eggplant sandwich into something extraordinary.

Vegan Eggplant Parm Sandwiches

If you're vegan or vegetarian, you can replace the mozzarella cheese with vegan cheese, like Violife or Follow Your Heart. And instead of breadcrumbs, you can use almond flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free option.

Simply slice the eggplant, dip it in the alternative flour or breadcrumb, and bake until crispy. Layer the eggplant with your favorite marinara sauce and vegan cheese, and sandwich it between two slices of bread to create a vegetarian sandwich.

Eggplant Parm Sliders

Change up the traditional sandwich by making delicious eggplant parm sliders. Slice the eggplant, fry in olive oil until crispy, and cut into small rounds.

Top them with marinara and cheese, and place them on mini slider buns. Serve as an appetizer or a filling lunch.

Grilled Eggplant Parm Sandwich

Take the classic eggplant parm up a notch by grilling the eggplant and adding a balsamic glaze. Slice the eggplant into long strips, then grill until tender.

Brush them with the glaze, then add marinara sauce and cheese. Hot press the sandwich to a crispy finish.

Eggplant Parm Panini

Give the eggplant parmesan sandwich an Italian twist by making it into a panini. Toast some bread, then layer the eggplant with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and some fresh basil. Add some sliced red onions and roasted peppers for extra flavor, and grill the panini until it's golden brown.

Make the Coziest and Cheesiest Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich Today

Making the perfect eggplant parmesan sandwich is easier than you thought. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have yourself a delicious sandwich that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Remember to use fresh ingredients, and feel free to add any toppings or sauces to your liking. Experiment with different bread rolls, and don't be afraid to add a twist to this classic sandwich recipe. Happy cooking!

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