Description
Delight in these flavorful Eggplant and Goat-Cheese Sandwiches featuring tender roasted eggplant slices layered with creamy goat cheese and topped with a vibrant tomato tarragon sauce. Toasted crusty rolls add the perfect crunch, making this Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian main course a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sandwiches
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 4 crusty sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting buns)
For the Tomato Tarragon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and roast eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden and tender.
- Prepare tomato tarragon sauce: While the eggplant roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, smashing the tomatoes slightly as they soften to release their juices. Add chopped tarragon, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Toast sandwich rolls: If desired, toast the sandwich rolls by spreading a little butter on the cut sides and warming them in a skillet or toaster oven until golden and crisp.
- Assemble sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of softened goat cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Top with several roasted eggplant slices, then spoon warm tomato tarragon sauce over them. Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make the sandwiches heartier, consider adding fresh arugula or sautéed spinach as an additional layer.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based cheese of your choice.
- The tomato tarragon sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.
