Healthy Eggplant Recipes: Grilled Eggplant Panini

Eggplant is a filling source of vitamins, minerals and healthy phytonutrients, and is a great substitute for meat. Try eggplant on sandwiches, salads or on its own as a main dish. Cook up our easy grilled eggplant panini for breakfast as a unique alternative to eggs and wake up your taste buds in the process.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 8 1/2-inch slices eggplant (about 1 small)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 8 slices whole-grain country bread
• 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
• 4 thin slices red onion
  

Preparation:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

To make sandwiches:
Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.

Serves 4