Philadelphia, PA - A local farmers' market trip always inspires culinary creativity, and today's bounty of fresh eggplant, vibrant cucumbers, and a jar of sundried tomato spread sparked a delicious improvisation. We decided to put a unique spin on a classic Eggplant Parmesan, transforming it into a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and paired it with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The result? A symphony of flavors and textures that celebrated the season's freshest ingredients.
From Market to Masterpiece: A Grilled Eggplant Parmesan and Goat Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients:
- One small eggplant, partially peeled and thinly sliced
- High-quality olive oil (we used an extra virgin olive oil infused with basil and garlic)
- Four slices of rustic bread (we opted for a crusty Italian loaf)
- One small jar of sundried tomato spread
- 1/3 cup of creamy goat cheese
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A pinch of sea salt
- Two small cucumbers artfully peeled
- One large tomato, ripe and juicy
- Vinaigrette (we used a light raspberry red wine vinaigrette)
Instructions:
Crafting the Grilled Cheese Masterpiece:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with flavorful olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Cook until golden brown and tender, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread each slice of bread with the sundried tomato spread. Layer the creamy goat cheese on two slices, followed by the grilled eggplant slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, and spread the tomato side down.
- Parmesan Crust: Brush the outside of the sandwiches with olive oil. Press a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese onto each side, allowing it to adhere to the oil.
- Grill to Perfection: Heat the skillet over medium-low heat and add more olive oil. Grill the sandwiches until the Parmesan forms a golden brown crust, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Creating the Refreshing Salad:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and tomato.
- Toss and Serve: Combine the cucumbers and tomato in a bowl. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette and toss gently.
A Symphony of Flavors:
The combination of creamy goat cheese, savory eggplant, tangy sundried tomato spread, and crispy Parmesan crust creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The refreshing cucumber and tomato salad provides a perfect counterpoint, balancing the richness of the sandwich.
This simple yet elegant meal is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and culinary creativity. With a few simple steps, you can transform market finds into a gourmet experience celebrating the season's bounty.
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