Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Eggplant-Zucchini Sandwich...With flavor!

Have you ever been conned into eating a vegetarian sandwich...maybe at your last conference or business meeting?  Did you choose the vegetarian option to be healthy, but ended up being completely appalled at the sloppy, soggy combination of cold, mushy vegetables slapped between two pieces of bread?

It has happened to me countless times.  So when I first read this recipe for a sandwich with zucchini and eggplant, I was a bit skeptical.  However, since it contained red peppers, mozzarella cheese, and had the fancy name of "Grilled Vegetable and Mozzarella Panini," I figured I would give it a shot.

I can honestly tell you that this will be the most delicious veggie sandwich you will ever munch!  Mr. PT and I had them for dinner two nights in a row, they were so yummy!  Roasting the veggies with a coating of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and your favorite spices brings out the hearty goodness these vegetables usually keep hidden.  Securing them between two pieces of crunchy ciabatta and melty cheese makes them irresistable.  If you are a veggie person (even if you are not!) this is a sandwich you MUST try. 

 The picture does not do the "Grilled Vegetable and Mozzarella Panini" justice!

You will need:
-2 tbs balsamic vinegar
-1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/8 tsp black pepper
-vegetable oil cooking spray
-1 medium eggplant, cut lengthwise into 8 slices
-1 medium zucchini, cut into 8 slices
-1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and quartered
-8 slices ciabatta
-1 cup shredded mozzarella
-8 large fresh basil leaves

Whisk vinegar, oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, place vegetables in one layer on a sheet.  Brush both sides of veggies with oil mixture, spray all veggies with cooking spray.  Place under broiler for 7-8 minutes, turning once and coating with more spray.  Lightly brush ciabatta with remaining vinegar mixture, pile veggies, cheese and basil on each slice.  Close sandwiches.  Spray with cooking spray and cook on a nonstick skillet (press down on sandwiches with another skillet to flatten).  Cook 4 minutes, flipping once. Serves 4.

The second night of eating these, I added goat cheese and mushrooms.  They made it even better!  Go ahead and use your favorite cheese and more veggies if you are feeling adventurous!

*Combine with 1 hour of exploring your neighborhood or community pathways on bike, challenging yourself to some hills and/or 1 minute sprint throughout!

*I am going to start "combining" my recipes with the exercise Mr. PT and I did that day.  That way readers can get some new ideas for eating and staying active!

1 comment:

Adele said...

hey! I believe I put that recipe in your wedding book. Delicious! - Colleen