Eggplant

Eggplant & Tomato Sandwich on Focaccia Bread Many consider eggplant to be very exotic -- and the taste and texture is somewhat unique. It is a versatile food and can be prepared in a variety of different ways. Eggplant can be roasted in the oven or grilled.

One popular recipe is the grilled eggplant sandwich -- try this sandwich recipe created with eggplant, tomato and focaccia bread (Italian bread could be substituted) -- for a quick lunch or dinner entreé.
Featured Recipe -

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich

You'll need -

• 4 teaspoons Olive Oil
• 1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped, Fresh Basil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 2 small Eggplants

Sandwiches:

• 1/2 cup Cream Cheese, Low-Fat Whipped, or Goat Cheese
• 4 pieces Focaccia or other good quality bread, sliced in half, lengthwise
  NOTE: Focaccia bread is a dimpled Italian flatbread; usually baked in a long slender loaf.  For this recipe a good Italian bread or Italian garlic bread could be used.
• 2/3 cup Spinach, washed and dried
• 4 slices Tomato

Preparation of Eggplant

1. Slice eggplant in to medallion shaped slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper and ½ teaspoon fresh chopped basil to small bowl. Stir to combine.
3. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil mixture.
4. Preheat grill to medium heat.
5. Grill eggplant over direct heat, 3 minutes per side.

For Sandwiches:

1. Mix cream cheese, 1-tablespoon fresh chopped basil, salt, and fresh ground pepper in small bowl.Spread 4 halves of focaccia bread with cheese mixture.
2. Add eggplant
3. Top with spinach, slice of tomato, and focaccia bread slice

This basic recipe is similar to one that can be found at Eggplant Recipes at www.eggplantrecipes.net .  Visit that site for a unique collection of recipes for every cooking method and every dish. The site has classic dishes and world-wide cuisines.
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Make Your Own Focaccia Bread Ingredients 3 1/4  cups  all-purpose flour 1  envelope Fleischmann's® RapidRise Yeast 1  tablespoon  sugar 1  teaspoon  salt 1/4  cup  extra virgin olive oil, divided 2  tablespoons  shredded Parmesan cheese 1  tablespoon  Spice Islands® Italian Herb Seasoning 1 2/3  cup  very warm water (120° to 130°F)

Preparation

1. MIX flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and water, stirring until well mixed. Spread dough into greased 13 x 9-inch pan. Cover.
2. LET RISE until doubled, about 30 minutes.
3. POKE multiple holes into the dough using the handle of a wooden spoon. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over dough; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian herb seasoning. Cover.
4. LET RISE an additional 15 minutes while oven preheats to 375°F.
5. BAKE 30 to 35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool slightly and cut into slices; serve warm. If desired, serve with additional olive oil for dipping.

Focaccia Bread recipe provided by Fleischmann's Yeast, AUGUST 2008
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