Eggplant Panini with Roasted Red Bell Peppers and Olive Tapenade
Marinated Eggplant
1 large eggplant
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic , minced
1/2 cup olive oil plus 2 tablespoons
1 tsp black pepper
Tapenade
3/4 cup cured black olives, pitted and drained
1 anchovy fillet
1/2 tsp capers, drained
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 Tomato, cut into 4 slices
Quality whole wheat sliced bread, 8 slices toasted
1 large roasted red bell pepper
4 slices mozzarella cheese
Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch slices. Combine the remaining of the marinated eggplant ingredients except 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the eggplant slices in a ziploc bag along with the whisked together marinade. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
For the tapenade add all ingredients to a bowl a a food processor fitted with a metal baled and pulse until well combined. Set aside.
In a saute pan on high heat, heat 1 1ablespoon olive oil until very hot and saute as many eggplant slices as will fit in the pan without crowding until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remainder of eggplant. Saute the tomato until tender with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Assemble the panini by spreading on one side of each slice of bread the olive tapenade. Place the eggplant on 4 slices on bread. Top that with tomato, roasted red bell pepper and mozzarella cheese and top the 4 slices with the other bread tapenade side down. Lightly brush bread with olive oil and place on grill or panini press until golden.
Slice in half and serve immediately.