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Artichoke and Eggplant Panini

4.5

(12)

Grilling is the name of the game for a vegetarian powerhouse stacked with meaty eggplant, melted Fontina cheese, and a luscious artichoke mayonnaise.

Cooks' note:

Eggplant and sandwich can be grilled in a hot oiled 2-burner grill pan over medium-high heat 4 minutes.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    40 min

  • Yield

    Makes 4 (main course) servings

Ingredients

1 (6 1/2-ounces) jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 small garlic clove
1 (3/4-pound) eggplant
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (1-pound) round loaf Italian bread, 8 (1/3-inch-thick) slices cut from middle
1/4 pound Fontina (preferably Italian), thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat; see grilling procedure .

    Step 2

    Pulse artichokes, mayonnaise, capers, and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped.

    Step 3

    Trim off a thin slice from 2 opposite long sides of eggplant, then cut eggplant lengthwise into 4 (1/3-inch-thick) slices. Brush both sides of slices with 2 tablespoons oil (total) and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Grill eggplant slices, covered, turning once and brushing grilled sides with 1 tablespoon oil (total), until golden-brown and tender, about 4 minutes, then transfer to a tray.

    Step 5

    Brush both sides of bread with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and grill, covered, without turning, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes.

    Step 6

    Top each of 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, with cheese and an eggplant slice. Spread artichoke mixture on remaining 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, then assemble sandwiches.

    Step 7

    Put sandwiches on grill and press down with a metal spatula, then grill, turning once, until heated through and grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total.

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