Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant, Arugula & Mozzarella Panini
Elevate your lunch with this delightful Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant, Arugula & Mozzarella Panini. This recipe combines the rich, smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with fresh, peppery arugula and creamy mozzarella, all encased in crunchy, toasted country bread. Perfect for a satisfying meal or a light snack, these paninis are easy to make and great for sharing. Enjoy them hot off the grill with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
4
Servings
288
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
4 slices (Brush with olive oil and season)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (For brushing eggplant and bread)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning eggplant)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning eggplant)
Country sliced bread
8 slices (Brush with oil)
Arugula leaves
2 cups (Rinse and dry)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat a George Foreman grill or panini grill.
2
Brush eggplant slices generously with extra virgin olive oil on both sides. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3
Grill the eggplant slices for about 4 minutes, or until they're tender and have nice grill marks. Carefully remove and set aside.
4
While the grill is still hot, brush both sides of each slice of country bread with olive oil.
5
On 4 slices of the bread (oil side down), layer the grilled eggplant slices, followed by a generous handful of arugula, and top with thin slices of mozzarella.
6
Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top (oil side up) to complete the sandwiches.
7
Carefully place 2 sandwiches on the grill. Close the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Manage cooking time based on your preference for crunchiness.
8
Remove the sandwiches from the grill and let them cool for a minute. Cut each sandwich diagonally into halves.
9
Serve warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this Mediterranean Panini?
The main ingredients include eggplant, extra virgin olive oil, country sliced bread, arugula leaves, and mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the grill?
Brush the eggplant slices generously with extra virgin olive oil on both sides and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
How long should I grill the eggplant slices?
Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 4 minutes or until they become tender and show visible grill marks.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 8 slices of country sliced bread for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Panini is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this panini contains approximately 288 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
This recipe provides 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this panini?
Each serving contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
How long does it take to cook the assembled sandwiches?
The assembled sandwiches should be grilled for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thinly sliced mozzarella cheese.
Should I oil the bread before grilling?
Yes, you should brush both sides of each slice of country bread with olive oil before assembling and grilling.
How do I assemble the panini?
Layer the grilled eggplant, a handful of arugula, and mozzarella slices between two pieces of bread with the oil side facing out.
What equipment is recommended for this recipe?
A George Foreman grill or a standard panini grill is recommended for cooking both the eggplant and the sandwiches.
What can I serve with these paninis?
They are delicious served with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or your favorite dipping sauce.
How should I cut the sandwiches for serving?
It is recommended to let them cool for a minute and then cut each sandwich diagonally into halves.
Is arugula necessary for this recipe?
While arugula provides a fresh, peppery flavor, you could substitute it with other greens if preferred.
Can I make this if I do not have a panini press?
Yes, you can use a heavy skillet or a grill pan on the stovetop, using a weighted pan on top to press the sandwich.
How much arugula is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of rinsed and dried arugula leaves.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the eggplant and the bread.
Is this a good lunch option?
Yes, it is described as a delightful way to elevate your lunch or serve as a light snack.
Can I adjust the crunchiness of the bread?
Yes, you can manage the cooking time based on your personal preference for how crunchy you want the bread to be.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper are used to season the eggplant to taste.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features smoky grilled eggplant, peppery arugula, and creamy mozzarella.
How many slices of eggplant are used?
The recipe specifies 4 slices of eggplant.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is great for sharing.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls into the categories of Mediterranean cuisine, vegetarian meals, and snacks or lunch.
How do I prepare the arugula?
The arugula should be rinsed and dried before being added to the sandwiches.
Can I add extra seasoning?
While the recipe calls for salt and pepper, you can add other Mediterranean herbs like oregano or basil if desired.