Greetings, food fanatics! Today, we’ve got a real treat for you – Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches! This Italian-inspired comfort food extraordinaire is not only bursting with the flavors of vine-ripe tomatoes, melt-in-your mouth mozzarella, and everyone’s beloved veggie, the eggplant, but it’s also the star of every gathering! Whether it’s a picnic for two or a family dinner, these sandwiches come in clutch! They are moreish to the point of addiction, and trust me, you’ll love it to the moon and back!
Imagine biting into a sandwich filled with crispy, golden fried eggplant, gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce. The melt in your mouth mozzarella combined with the tender eggplant will surely tickle your taste buds. Cavemen didn���t know what they were missing!
This recipe is a piece of cake and takes less than an hour from prep to table. Let’s go through the details:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
So, let’s buckle up and venture into a gastronomical journey!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
You’ll need a deep pan for frying, a baking dish and a bread knife
Eggplant and mozzarella are the shining stars in our sandwich. Eggplant, when breaded and fried, provides the perfect texture and flavor base. Combining it with gooey, melted mozzarella is what makes this sandwich a crowd pleaser!
Know the knack of choosing a perfect eggplant. Look for one that is firm, has even-colored skin and feels heavy. You can substitute marinara sauce with your preferred type of pasta sauce too.
How To Make Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches
1. Slice the eggplants into thick rings. Season them with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes.
2. Dredge the eggplant slices in flour.
3. Heat the oil in your pan, and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown.
4. On a baking dish, layer your eggplant, marinara sauce and mozzarella, twice.
5. Pop the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling and brown.
6. Let it cool slightly before piling it between fresh bread.
Tips For The Best Results
– Try to cut the eggplant into even slices; different thicknesses will affect the cooking time.
– Do not skimp on the salt. Salt adds flavor and helps eggplants lose their inherent bitterness.
– You could use fresh basil leaves to garnish the sandwiches for added freshness.
Storage Tips
– To store, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, and they will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
– You can also freeze the prepared eggplant and mozzarella filling for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour to bread the eggplant?
A: Yes, you can easily substitute the flour with a gluten-free option.
Q: Can I substitute eggplant with zucchini in this recipe?
A: Yes, zucchini can be a suitable and tasty replacement for eggplant.
Q: Can I make this sandwich vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just switch the regular mozzarella with vegan cheese.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?
A: Yes, but the taste and texture of the sandwich will change. The marinara sauce adds a depth of flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the sandwiches?
A: It’s better to freeze the prepared eggplant and mozzarella filling and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to eat.
Nutritional Facts of Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches
– 367 calories per serving
– 18.2g fat
– 38.9g carbs
– 12.2g protein
– 9.6g dietary fibers
Wrapping up, the Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches are a gooey, cheesy, tasty recipe packed with nutrients. A perfect snack or a meal, it’s simplicity screams “EAT ME”! So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen, don your apron, and prepare to blow your taste buds away. Study nature, love nature, it will never fail to amaze you especially when it turns into an Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwich! Enjoy peeps!
0 Comments