Eggplant sandwiches

Eggplant sandwiches with feta cheese - a delicacy for any occasion

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Number of servings: 6

Imagine a warm summer afternoon, when the air is filled with delicious aromas and sounds of joy. This recipe for eggplant sandwiches with feta cheese is perfect for adding a special touch to your meal. These sandwiches are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course, they will surely win you over.

Ingredients:

- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 80 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- Salt (to taste)
- 12 slices of eggplant (about 0.5 cm thick)
- 6 slices of tomato
- 6 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Crumble the feta cheese in a medium bowl and add the crushed garlic cloves. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition that will become the savory filling of the sandwiches.

2. Breadcrumbs and parmesan: In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan and dried basil. This mixture will provide the crunchy texture and distinct aroma of your sandwiches.

3. Beating the egg: In a separate bowl, beat the egg together with the egg white and a pinch of salt. This mixture will help bind the ingredients and will add a pleasant consistency.

4. Assembling the sandwiches: Take a slice of eggplant and spread a teaspoon of the feta cheese mixture on it. Place a slice of tomato on top, then add another teaspoon of feta cheese. Cover with another slice of eggplant, thus forming a sandwich. Repeat this step for all the eggplant slices.

5. Coating the sandwiches: Take each sandwich and dip it in the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Then, dip it in the breadcrumb mixture, so that a crunchy crust forms.

6. Frying the sandwiches: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the sandwiches, frying them on each side until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to fry in batches.

7. Serving: Once the sandwiches are fried, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with mint for a refreshing contrast.

Tips and useful advice:

- Eggplants: Choose fresh, firm eggplants with shiny skin. If you want to reduce the bitterness of the eggplant, you can sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes before washing and drying.
- Feta cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese, but feta brings a salty and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with eggplants.
- Variations: You can add olives or bell peppers to the cheese filling to intensify the flavors. You can also replace basil with oregano or thyme for a different aroma.
- Serving: These sandwiches are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them as an appetizer at a party or as a quick lunch.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the feta cheese and eggs, while eggplants provide an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. The olive oil adds healthy fats that are good for the heart. In total, one sandwich contains about 250 calories, but this number may vary depending on the amount of oil used in frying.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can replace eggplants with zucchini or even slices of potatoes, but the cooking time will change.
- How can I make this recipe healthier? You can bake the sandwiches in the oven instead of frying them, using a spray of olive oil to lightly coat them.
- What drinks pair well? These sandwiches go perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail made from lemonade and mint leaves.

In conclusion, eggplant sandwiches with feta cheese are an excellent choice, full of flavor and versatility. Experiment with the ingredients and discover your favorite combinations. It can easily become a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Cook with love and joy, and remember that every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories!