Grilled Eggplant and Balsamic Portobello Sandwiches with Herb Aioli
Elevate your lunch experience with these Grilled Eggplant and Balsamic Portobello Sandwiches topped with a creamy herb aioli. Perfect for a weekend picnic or a satisfying weekday lunch, this recipe combines the rich flavors of balsamic-glazed portobello mushrooms with tender, grilled eggplant and a zesty herb mayonnaise spread. Each bite is packed with fresh ingredients that celebrate the vegetable bounty, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. Serve on toasted whole wheat buns for added texture and health benefits.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (None)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (None)
Fresh rosemary
6 teaspoons (Minced)
Fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons (Minced)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Portobello mushrooms
4 large (Trimmed)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons (Divided for mushrooms and eggplant)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (Cut into pats)
Salt
to taste (None)
Black pepper
to taste (None)
Balsamic vinegar
8 teaspoons (None)
Eggplant
1 small (Sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices)
Whole wheat hamburger buns
4 (Toasted)
Lettuce leaves
4 (None)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced rosemary, and garlic until smooth. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
2
Prepare the eggplant by soaking the slices in lightly salted water for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Lightly spray the grill rack to prevent sticking. Brush the portobello mushrooms with olive oil and evenly top the stem side with the minced rosemary, thyme, parsley, butter, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
4
Place the mushrooms on the grill, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes without turning, until they are tender. At the same time, add the eggplant slices to the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned and softened.
5
While the vegetables are grilling, toast the whole wheat buns until golden and crisp.
6
To assemble the sandwiches, spread the herb aioli on each half of the toasted buns. Layer with a lettuce leaf, grilled eggplant, and a portobello mushroom. Cover with the top half of the bun, serve immediately, and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of these grilled sandwiches?
The sandwiches feature a combination of rich balsamic-glazed portobello mushrooms, tender grilled eggplant, and a zesty, creamy herb aioli.
How do I prepare the eggplant before grilling?
Soak the eggplant slices in lightly salted water for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat them dry.
What ingredients are needed for the herb aioli?
The aioli is made by whisking together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, minced rosemary, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
How long should the portobello mushrooms be grilled?
The portobello mushrooms should be cooked on the grill for 10 to 12 minutes without turning.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly spray the grill rack with cooking spray before placing the vegetables on it.
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices.
What herbs are used to season the portobello mushrooms?
The mushrooms are seasoned with minced fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and fresh Italian parsley.
How long does the eggplant take to grill?
The eggplant slices take 8 to 10 minutes to grill, turning occasionally until browned and softened.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using toasted whole wheat hamburger buns.
Is the butter added to the eggplant or the mushrooms?
The unsalted butter, cut into pats, is placed on the stem side of the portobello mushrooms before grilling.
Do I need to turn the mushrooms while they grill?
No, the mushrooms should be cooked for 10 to 12 minutes without turning.
How many garlic cloves are required for the recipe?
Two minced garlic cloves are required.
What type of vinegar is used for the mushroom glaze?
Eight teaspoons of balsamic vinegar are used to top the mushrooms.
What should I do with the aioli after mixing?
Set it aside after whisking to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
How is the eggplant seasoned before it goes on the grill?
Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
How many portobello mushrooms does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 4 large portobello mushrooms, trimmed.
When should the hamburger buns be toasted?
Toast the buns until golden and crisp while the vegetables are grilling.
What is the correct order for assembling the sandwich?
Spread herb aioli on the bun halves, then layer a lettuce leaf, grilled eggplant, and a portobello mushroom.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly sandwich recipe.
What kind of mustard is used in the aioli?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How much olive oil is used in total?
Four tablespoons of olive oil are used, divided between the mushrooms and the eggplant.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe uses fresh Italian parsley, minced.
How much rosemary is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 6 teaspoons of minced fresh rosemary is used.
Can I use a small or large eggplant?
The recipe calls for 1 small eggplant.
How many lettuce leaves are needed?
Four lettuce leaves are needed, one for each sandwich.
What type of butter should be used?
Four tablespoons of unsalted butter are required.
Does the recipe suggest serving the sandwich hot or cold?
It is recommended to serve the sandwich immediately after assembly to enjoy the fresh, grilled flavors.
What texture should the eggplant have after grilling?
The eggplant should be browned on the outside and softened on the inside.
Is the rosemary used in both the aioli and on the mushrooms?
Yes, minced rosemary is included in both the herb aioli and the mushroom topping.