Are you tired of the same old boring sandwiches for your kids’ lunch boxes? It’s time to switch things up with these delightful Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches! Bursting with flavor and filled with nutritious ingredients, these sandwiches are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Say goodbye to uninspired lunches and hello to a new favorite that will have everyone asking for more. Let’s get cooking and whip up a batch of these delicious sandwiches that are perfect for school lunches and beyond!
Why Choose Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches?
Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches are not only delicious but also nutritious, making them an ideal choice for kids’ lunch boxes. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding these sandwiches to your meal rotation:
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- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: This recipe features nutritious ingredients like eggplant, bell peppers, arugula, and whole grain mustard, providing essential vitamins and minerals to fuel your child’s day.
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- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your child’s diet, these sandwiches are a fantastic choice. They’re packed with flavor and protein, making them satisfying and satisfying.
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- Kid-Friendly Flavors: With their savory roasted eggplant, melted provolone cheese, and tangy whole grain mustard, these sandwiches are sure to appeal to even the pickiest eaters.
Recipe 1:
Ingredients for Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
For the Sandwiches:
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- 1 globe eggplant (1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch round slices
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- Kosher salt
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- 1/4 cup olive oil
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- 1 clove garlic, grated
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- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
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- 1 12-ounce jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
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- 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally
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- 4 slices provolone cheese
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- 1 cup arugula
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- Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
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- Whole grain mustard
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
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- Lay the eggplant slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
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- Sprinkle salt over both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30-40 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
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- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Roast the Eggplant:
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- Pat the eggplant slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess salt.
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- In a bowl, combine olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, and red chili flakes.
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- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the herbed olive oil mixture.
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- Place the eggplant slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
3. Prepare the Arugula:
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- In a large bowl, toss arugula with fresh lemon juice until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
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- Place the bottom half of each ciabatta roll on a foil-lined baking sheet.
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- Top with roasted eggplant slices, roasted red bell peppers, and a slice of provolone cheese.
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- Place the ciabatta tops on the baking sheet, cut side down.
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- Bake in the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warmed through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
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- Spread whole grain mustard on the cut side of the ciabatta tops.
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- Top each sandwich with a pile of dressed arugula.
- Sandwich the mustard-glazed ciabatta tops on top of the arugula and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Recipe 2:
Delicious Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
Are you tired of the same old uninspired sandwiches in your kids’ lunch boxes? It’s time to introduce them to something new and exciting – Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches! Packed with flavor, nutrients, and vibrant colors, these sandwiches are not only delicious but also a wholesome option for your little ones.
Why Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches Are the Best Vegetable Sandwiches
These Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches are a delightful combination of buttery roasted eggplant slices, zesty romesco sauce, fresh arugula, and basil, all nestled between slices of hearty bread. Here’s why you should consider adding them to your kid’s lunch rotation:
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Flavorful and Satisfying: The roasted eggplant lends a rich and meaty texture to the sandwiches, while the romesco sauce adds a burst of tangy flavor.
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Meal Prep-Friendly: You can prepare the roasted eggplant and romesco sauce in advance, making it convenient for busy mornings when you’re packing lunches.
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Kid-Friendly Ingredients: With wholesome ingredients like eggplant, bread, nuts, and fresh herbs, these sandwiches offer a nutritious option that kids will love.
What is Romesco Sauce?
Romesco sauce is a traditional Catalan condiment made with roasted red peppers, nuts, bread, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. In this recipe, we’ve simplified the sauce by omitting tomatoes, resulting in a bright and zesty spread that pairs perfectly with the roasted eggplant.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
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Eggplant: Choose eggplants with glossy, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture.
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Bread: While sourdough bread adds a tangy kick, you can use any hearty sandwich bread like ciabatta or baguette.
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Basil: Fresh basil adds a floral note to the sandwiches, but feel free to omit it if unavailable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
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Salt the Eggplant: Slice the eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit to release excess moisture.
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Roast the Eggplant: Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until golden brown and tender.
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Prepare the Sauce: Toast bread, then puree with nuts, roasted red peppers, garlic, paprika, vinegar, and olive oil until smooth.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread romesco sauce on bread slices, top with roasted eggplant, arugula, and basil, then sandwich together.
Recipe 3:
Delicious Roasted Eggplant Rolls
Looking for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich option? Try these mouthwatering Roasted Eggplant Rolls packed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy Boursin® cheese. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a quick and wholesome meal.
Why Roasted Eggplant Rolls Are a Must-Try
These Roasted Eggplant Rolls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why you should give them a try:
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Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with nutrient-rich eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and basil, these rolls are a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.
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Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of creamy Boursin® cheese adds a decadent touch to the rolls, complementing the earthy flavors of the roasted eggplant.
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Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious rolls in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small eggplant, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 2 (6-inch) whole-grain sandwich rolls, split
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin®)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Roma (plum) tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions:
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Preheat the Broiler: Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler.
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Prepare the Eggplant: Brush olive oil over both sides of each eggplant slice. Arrange the eggplant slices onto a baking sheet and cook under the broiler until tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side.
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Toast the Rolls: Toast the split rolls under the broiler, cut sides up, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
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Prepare the Yogurt Spread: In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese (such as Boursin®), and minced garlic until smooth.
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Assemble the Rolls: Spread the yogurt mixture onto the rolls. Divide the roasted eggplant slices between the rolls, then add tomato slices and chopped fresh basil to complete the sandwiches.
Cook’s Notes:
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle freshly cracked pepper over the assembled sandwiches.
- If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can omit the cheese without sacrificing taste.
With their delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, these Roasted Eggplant Rolls are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give them a try for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!
Recipe 4:
Flavorful Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
This sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add more veggies to your diet, these sandwiches are a perfect choice.
Why Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches Are a Must-Try
Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here’s why you should give them a try:
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Nutrient-Rich: Eggplant is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.
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Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these sandwiches in no time.
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Great for Meal Prep: These sandwiches are perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
What Makes a Roasted Eggplant Sandwich?
A Roasted Eggplant Sandwich is made with tender slices of roasted eggplant, layered with flavorful ingredients, and served on your choice of bread. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering sandwiches:
- Eggplant: Use medium to large black-skinned eggplants for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Liberally coat the eggplant slices with olive oil to ensure they roast evenly and develop a golden brown color.
- Seasoning: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the eggplant.
- Tomato: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add a burst of flavor and juiciness to the sandwiches.
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic aioli made with fresh garlic, mayonnaise, and Greek seasoning adds a deliciously savory element to the sandwiches.
- Bread: Use your favorite bread for the sandwiches, whether it’s homemade wheat bread or store-bought rolls.
How to Make Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
Making Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare these delicious sandwiches:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into rounds and season them with salt and pepper. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet and roast them in the oven until tender and golden brown.
- Make the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, mayonnaise, and Greek seasoning to make the garlic aioli.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on each slice of bread. Top with roasted eggplant slices, tomato slices, and any additional toppings you like.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches immediately and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
FAQs about Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches
1. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
2. Can I use other types of bread for these sandwiches?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite bread for these sandwiches, whether it’s whole-grain, sourdough, or ciabatta.
3. Can I add other toppings to these sandwiches?
Yes, you can customize these sandwiches with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, avocado, or roasted red peppers, to suit your taste preferences.
With their delicious flavor and wholesome ingredients, these Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give them a try for a satisfying and nutritious meal that everyone will love!
4. Should I peel eggplant before roasting?
No, eggplant skin is edible and contains valuable nutrients.
5. Why salt eggplant before roasting?
Salting helps remove excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant, resulting in a better texture and flavor.
6. Can you eat these sandwiches cold?
Yes, these sandwiches are delicious whether served warm or cold, making them perfect for lunch boxes or picnics.
With their irresistible flavors and wholesome ingredients, Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches are sure to become a lunchtime favorite for kids and adults alike. Prepare a batch today and watch as they disappear from lunch boxes in no time!
7. Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roasted eggplant slices and assemble the sandwiches the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
8. Can I customize these sandwiches with other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize these sandwiches with your favorite toppings such as sliced tomatoes, avocado, or cucumber for added flavor and texture.
9. Are these sandwiches suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches are completely vegetarian-friendly and are packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love.
With their savory roasted eggplant, melted provolone cheese, and tangy whole grain mustard, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Pack them in your kids’ lunch boxes for a nutritious and satisfying meal that will keep them fueled throughout the day!
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