Grilled Eggplant Panini

This is so easy your pet ants could do it!  I mean some folk are into that.  :)  I love eggplant when it's made right and one of the most right ways it can be made is GRILLED and in a PANINI.  Without fail, this is a delicious invention every single time.  

Let's do this:

Two slices of Good Quality Whole Wheat Bread (You know, the ones that actually have a reasonable amount of fiber...reject all those that have only 1 or 2 grams/serving.  5 grams per serving is where you want to be )

Slices of Tomato

Pieces of Lettuce/Spinach

Slices of Avocado (Optional)

Slices of Cucumber (Optional)

Hummus (serves as the mayo)

2-3 (1/2 - 1 inch) slices of eggplant

1 clove of garlic

1 tablespoon of olive oil

3 teaspoon of oregano

1/4 teaspoon of salt

Pinch of Black or Cayenne Pepper (if desired)

Finely mince garlic and add to a small bowl with olive oil, salt, oregano and pepper and mix. Heat grill (I use George Foreman). Place garlic-oil mixture on both sides of the eggplant slices. I usually leave the eggplant to marinate overnight which allows for amazing flavor. Allow eggplant to grill for 3-5 minutes for each side.  Note: Eggplant is a very delicate vegetable, so you don't want to cook it for too long or you will end up with a grilled rubber panini.    Prepare  the sandwich by adding in this order if you like: hummus, spinach/lettuce, tomato slices, grilled eggplant and avocado/cucumber. Combine the two slices and place back on the George Forman for 2-3 minutes or until brown grill marks are seen on the bread. Cut in half.  Enjoy!! 



Thank you for reading! My people, I appreciate you all so much.  Be healthy and happy. Ciao!