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Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
The Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich combines Mediterranean flavors in a delightful handheld meal. This vegetarian sandwich features tender broiled eggplant, creamy feta cheese, and a garlicky spread that brings everything together. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with only 30 minutes from start to finish
- Packed with Mediterranean flavors from feta cheese and fresh basil
- Vegetarian-friendly option that’s hearty and satisfying
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spreads
- Budget-friendly ingredients that are readily available year-round
Why This Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because broiling brings out eggplant’s natural sweetness while creating a tender texture. The garlic mayonnaise adds richness that complements the tangy feta perfectly. Fresh basil provides aromatic brightness that ties all the flavors together.
The combination of textures makes each bite interesting. Soft broiled eggplant contrasts with crumbly feta, while toasted French rolls provide satisfying crunch. This balance prevents the sandwich from becoming monotonous.
What You’ll Need for Your Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, halved and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (6-inch) French sandwich rolls
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Tools
- Baking sheet or broiling pan
- Pastry brush for oil
- Sharp knife for slicing
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
Follow these simple steps to create your Mediterranean-inspired sandwich:
| Step 1: | Preheat your oven’s broiler. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet or broiling pan. Position the pan about 6 inches from the heat source. |
| Step 2: | Cook under the broiler for 10 minutes, or until tender and toasted. The eggplant should have golden-brown edges. |
| Step 3: | Split the French rolls lengthwise and toast them until golden. This prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy. |
| Step 4: | Stir mayonnaise and garlic together in a cup or small bowl. Spread this mixture generously on the toasted bread. |
| Step 5: | Fill rolls with eggplant slices, tomato, feta cheese and basil leaves. Layer ingredients evenly for best results. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose smaller eggplants as they tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds
- Salt eggplant slices 30 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture
- Don’t overcrowd the broiling pan – cook in batches if necessary for even browning
- Let broiled eggplant cool slightly before assembling to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients
- Toast bread on both sides for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess
Serving and Storage Tips for Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
These sandwiches taste best when served immediately after assembly. The contrast between warm eggplant and cool tomatoes creates an appealing temperature variation. Consider serving with a side of homemade potato chips or a simple green salad.
Serving Tips
- Cut sandwiches diagonally for easier handling
- Serve with pickle spears or olives on the side
- Pair with fresh fruit for a complete meal
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor
For storage, keep components separate. Store broiled eggplant in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Prepare garlic mayo fresh when ready to serve. Assembled sandwiches don’t store well due to moisture from vegetables.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
Cutting eggplant too thick results in uneven cooking. Aim for ¼-inch slices for optimal texture. Thicker pieces remain raw inside while thinner ones burn quickly.
Skipping the oil brush leads to dry, leathery eggplant. Each slice needs adequate oil for proper caramelization. However, using too much oil makes sandwiches greasy.
Assembling sandwiches too early causes soggy bread. The moisture from vegetables seeps into bread over time. Always toast bread just before serving for best results.
You Must Know
- Male eggplants have fewer seeds – look for ones with rounded bottoms rather than indented
- Purple eggplants work best, but white or striped varieties offer interesting flavor variations
- Fresh basil is essential – dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic quality
- Room temperature feta crumbles more easily than cold feta straight from the refrigerator
Suggestions for Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich
Transform this basic recipe with creative additions. Try adding roasted red peppers for sweetness or capers for extra brininess. Sun-dried tomatoes provide intense flavor that complements the Mediterranean theme.
For heartier sandwiches, add grilled zucchini or yellow squash. These vegetables cook similarly to eggplant under the broiler. Experiment with different bread options like ciabatta or focaccia.
Consider making an olive tapenade spread instead of plain garlic mayo. Blend olives, capers, and herbs for a more complex flavor profile. This spread keeps well refrigerated for future use.
For lighter versions, use Greek yogurt mixed with garlic instead of mayonnaise. This substitution reduces calories while maintaining creamy texture. Add lemon zest for brightness.
FAQs:
Yes, grilling works wonderfully. Brush eggplant slices with oil and grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until tender with nice grill marks.
Goat cheese offers similar tanginess, while fresh mozzarella provides mild creaminess. For dairy-free options, try marinated tofu or cashew-based cheese alternatives.
Layer ingredients strategically with heavier items like eggplant on bottom. Don’t overfill the sandwich, and consider using toothpicks to hold everything together while eating.
Prep components separately. Store broiled eggplant, sliced tomatoes, and garlic mayo in separate containers. Assemble sandwiches just before eating to maintain optimal texture.
Try Greek salad, roasted chickpeas, or homemade sweet potato fries. For lighter options, serve with fresh fruit salad or cucumber yogurt soup.
Conclusion
This Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of broiled eggplant, tangy feta, and aromatic basil creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a light dinner, this recipe fits perfectly.
Try this Mediterranean-inspired sandwich today and discover how simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors. With endless customization options and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. For more delicious recipes, check out our collection of quick meal ideas.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Eggplant Feta Olive Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired eggplant feta olive sandwich features tender broiled eggplant, tangy feta cheese, and fresh basil on toasted French rolls. Ready in just 30 minutes for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, halved and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or as needed)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (6-inch) French sandwich rolls
- 1 small tomato, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven’s broiler. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet or broiling pan. Position the pan about 6 inches from the heat source.
- Cook under the broiler for 10 minutes, or until tender and toasted. The eggplant should have golden-brown edges.
- Split the French rolls lengthwise and toast them until golden. This prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Stir mayonnaise and garlic together in a cup or small bowl. Spread this mixture generously on the toasted bread.
- Fill rolls with eggplant slices, tomato, feta cheese and basil leaves. Layer ingredients evenly for best results.
Notes
- Choose smaller eggplants as they tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds
- Salt eggplant slices 30 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture
- Don’t overcrowd the broiling pan – cook in batches if necessary for even browning
- Let broiled eggplant cool slightly before assembling to prevent wilting the fresh ingredients
- Toast bread on both sides for extra crunch and to prevent sogginess
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Mediterranean sandwich recipe, vegetarian eggplant sandwich, feta cheese sandwich, broiled eggplant recipe, Greek sandwich ideas, easy lunch sandwich, basil feta sandwich, healthy vegetarian sandwich
