Grilled Eggplant Panini with Basil Aioli

Grilled Eggplant Panini with Basil Aioli

from tasteofhome.com

I love being able to use the bounty of fresh vegetables and herbs from my garden for summer meals. This sandwich is loaded with veggies and has such a satisfying crunch. The melty provolone finishes things off perfectly. —Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 large eggplant, cut into 8 slices
  • 2 large sweet red peppers, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 ciabatta rolls, split
  • 8 slices provolone cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    For aioli, place the first 8 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until mixture is smooth.

  2. 2

    Brush the vegetables with oil. Place in broiling pan in oven and broil 3-4 inches from heat, or grill, covered, over medium heat until tender, 4-5 minutes per side. Chop the peppers when cool enough to handle.

  3. 3

    Spread cut sides of each roll with 1 tablespoons aioli. Layer bottoms with 1 slice cheese, 2 slices eggplant, peppers and remaining cheese. Replace tops.

  4. 4

    In a panini maker, grill sandwiches until the cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes. Serve remaining aioli with sandwiches or save for another use.