Marinated Eggplant Panino Recipe
Jimmy Nardello spread, mint pesto, cilantro
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Ingredients
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Eggplant Preparation
Mint Pesto
Panino Assembly
Method
Eggplant Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place in a large bowl.
- 2
Marinate the Eggplant
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture over the eggplant slices and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 3
Mint Pesto
- 4
Make the Pesto
In a food processor, combine fresh mint leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
Panino Assembly
- 5
Assemble the Panino
Spread Jimmy Nardello spread on one slice of ciabatta bread. Layer grilled eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves on top.
- 6
Finish the Panino
Top with the second slice of ciabatta bread. Grill the assembled panino in a panini press or on a grill until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes.
- 7
Serve
Remove from the grill and slice in half. Serve hot with additional mint pesto on the side if desired.
