Indulge in a comforting dish of eggplant cheese sandwiches with tomato sauce. This recipe combines crispy, golden eggplant slices layered with creamy goat cheese, and all smothered in a rich tomato sauce.
If you don't typically stock eggplant, mild goat cheese, or dried tarragon, you'll want to add these to your shopping list. Eggplant is the star of the dish, providing a meaty texture. Mild goat cheese melts beautifully, and dried tarragon adds a unique herbal note.
Ingredients for Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and gives a rich flavor to the sauce.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the tomato sauce.
Crushed tomatoes in thick puree: Forms the rich backbone of the tomato sauce.
Dried tarragon: Adds a sweet, slightly licorice-like flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick.
Dry bread crumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the eggplant.
Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the bread crumb mixture.
Eggplants: The main component of the sandwich, providing a meaty, tender texture.
Eggs: Helps the bread crumbs adhere to the eggplant slices.
Cooking oil: Used for frying the breaded eggplant slices to a golden crisp.
Mild goat cheese: Melts into a creamy, tangy filling for the sandwiches.
One reader, Alexandr Brumfield says:
This recipe is a delightful twist on classic eggplant dishes. The crispy, golden eggplant paired with creamy goat cheese and rich tomato sauce is simply divine. Easy to follow and absolutely delicious!
Techniques Required for Making Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce
How to dice an onion: Peel the onion and cut it in half. Place the flat side down and make horizontal cuts, then vertical cuts to create small, even pieces. How to fry eggplant: Heat oil in a frying pan until very hot. Dip eggplant slices in egg and bread crumbs, then fry until golden brown on each side. How to bake eggplant sandwiches: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange eggplant slices with goat cheese in between on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese melts. How to make tomato sauce: Cook onions in olive oil until translucent, then add tomatoes, tarragon, salt, sugar, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
How To Make Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce
Amp up your snack game with these loaded eggplant and goat cheese sandwiches that are made even tastier with a sauce using crushed tomatoes and tarragon.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1small onion
- 3cupscrushed tomatoes in thick puree,(28 oz) canned
- 1½tspdried tarragon
- 1¼tspsalt
- 1tspsugar
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1cupdry bread crumbs
- ½cupparmesan,grated
- 2eggplants,peeled and cut to make 16 ½-inch thick slices
- 4eggs
- cooking oil,for frying
- ½lbmild goat cheese
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until translucent.
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Add the tomatoes, tarragon, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and sugar and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of the pepper.
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Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and the remaining salt and pepper.
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Dip each slice of eggplant in the eggs and then in the bread-crumb mixture, coating well.
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In a large frying pan, heat about ½ an inch of cooking oil over moderate heat until very hot. Fry the eggplant in the hot oil, in batches, turning once, for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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Arrange ½ of the eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put a slice of goat cheese on top of each and then top with the remaining eggplant slices. Bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
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Put the sauce on plates and top with the eggplant.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 634.21kcal
- Fat: 35.18g
- Saturated Fat: 14.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.93g
- Carbohydrates: 52.60g
- Fiber: 13.27g
- Sugar: 21.43g
- Protein: 32.04g
- Cholesterol: 198.68mg
- Sodium: 1468.71mg
- Calcium: 465.22mg
- Potassium: 1333.85mg
- Iron: 6.37mg
- Vitamin A: 293.37µg
- Vitamin C: 24.02mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce
When frying the eggplant, make sure the cooking oil is hot enough before adding the slices. To test, drop a small piece of bread crumb into the oil; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready. This ensures the eggplant becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and measure out the spices the night before to save time.
Use pre-made sauce: Substitute homemade tomato sauce with a high-quality store-bought version.
Preheat oven early: Turn on the oven while prepping to ensure it's ready when you need it.
Batch fry eggplant: Fry multiple eggplant slices at once to reduce cooking time.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend bread crumbs and parmesan together.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils within reach to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor.
crushed tomatoes in thick puree - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce has a similar consistency and flavor profile.
dried tarragon - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different texture and flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable.
dry bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko offers a lighter, crispier texture.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture but a saltier, sharper flavor.
eggplants - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be used in the same way.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative that can bind ingredients similarly.
cooking oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
mild goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor and similar crumbly texture.
Plating Ideas for Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the eggplant cheese sandwiches in smaller, bite-sized portions to create an elegant and refined presentation. Cut each sandwich into quarters or use smaller slices of eggplant to begin with.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add a sophisticated touch.
Layer the sauce: Instead of simply placing the tomato sauce on the plate, create a beautiful base by spreading it in a circular pattern. Use the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
Stack with precision: Carefully stack the eggplant cheese sandwiches on top of the tomato sauce. Ensure each sandwich is perfectly aligned to create a clean and professional look.
Add texture: Sprinkle some extra parmesan or toasted bread crumbs on top of the sandwiches for added texture and a touch of elegance.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially the goat cheese and olive oil, are of the highest quality to impress the culinary professionals.
Highlight the colors: Make sure the vibrant colors of the tomato sauce and the golden fried eggplant are highlighted. Use a white plate to make the colors pop and create a striking contrast.
Finish with finesse: Add a final touch by lightly drizzling some extra virgin olive oil over the entire dish. This will add a glossy finish and enhance the flavors.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
Medium saucepan: Used to cook the onion and tomato sauce mixture over moderately low heat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the onion and tomato sauce occasionally.
Medium bowl: Used to combine the bread crumbs, parmesan, and remaining salt and pepper.
Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs before dipping the eggplant slices.
Large frying pan: Necessary for frying the breaded eggplant slices in hot oil.
Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the fried eggplant slices.
Baking sheet: Required for arranging the eggplant slices and baking them with goat cheese.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees F, used for baking the eggplant sandwiches.
Plates: For serving the eggplant sandwiches with the tomato sauce.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the onion and eggplants.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the onion and eggplants.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, sugar, and pepper.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the crushed tomatoes and bread crumbs.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
To store leftover eggplant cheese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you have extra tomato sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled eggplant cheese sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen eggplant cheese sandwiches, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the sandwiches from the freezer and unwrap them. Place the frozen sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
If you want to freeze the fried eggplant slices separately, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover eggplant sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the sandwiches loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The goat cheese should be melted and the eggplant warm and tender.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the eggplant sandwiches on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the eggplant may become soggy.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the sandwiches in just a few minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the eggplant sandwiches in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is crispy and heated through.
For the tomato sauce, reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. You can also microwave the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's heated to your liking.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover sandwiches, consider topping them with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley before reheating. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches
A random fact about this recipe is that eggplant is a versatile vegetable often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has a spongy texture that absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for dishes like eggplant cheese sandwiches with tomato sauce.
Is Making Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
This eggplant cheese sandwich recipe with tomato sauce is moderately cost-effective. The main ingredients like eggplants, crushed tomatoes, and bread crumbs are relatively inexpensive. However, the inclusion of mild goat cheese and parmesan can increase the cost. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Are Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches Healthy or Unhealthy?
The eggplant cheese sandwiches with tomato sauce recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, eggplants are a nutritious vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The tomato sauce provides additional vitamins and antioxidants. Goat cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, and it's generally easier to digest than cow's milk cheese.
However, the recipe also has some less healthy components. Frying the eggplant slices in oil adds extra fat and calories to the dish. The breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese coating further increases the calorie and fat content. While the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, the preparation methods make it a more indulgent choice.
To make this recipe healthier, consider these modifications:
- Instead of frying the eggplant, try grilling or baking it to reduce the oil content
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or replace them with a healthier coating like ground nuts or seeds
- Reduce the amount of cheese used, or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density
- Serve the eggplant sandwiches with a side salad to add more fiber and balance the meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of the eggplant cheese sandwiches while making the dish more nutritious and well-rounded.
Editor's Opinion on Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce
This recipe for eggplant cheese sandwiches with tomato sauce is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The crispy, golden-brown eggplant pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy goat cheese, creating a satisfying contrast. The homemade tomato sauce, enriched with tarragon and a hint of sweetness, adds a robust depth that complements the dish perfectly. Baking the assembled sandwiches ensures the cheese melts to a luscious consistency, making each bite indulgent. Overall, this dish is a sophisticated yet comforting option, ideal for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Enhance Your Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Eggplant Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant and goat cheese with a homemade tomato sauce that’s simmered to perfection. The bread crumbs and parmesan create a crispy coating, while the tarragon adds a unique herbal note. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure a delicious and satisfying meal. Trust in the quality ingredients and detailed instructions to deliver a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.
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