GRILLED EGGPLANT PANINI WITH BASIL AIOLI

Grilled Eggplant Panini with Basil Aioli image

I love being able to use the bounty of fresh vegetables and herbs from my garden for summer meals. This sandwich is loaded with veggies and has such a satisfying crunch. The melty provolone finishes things off perfectly. -Joseph A. Sciascia, San Mateo, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 large eggplant, cut into 8 slices
2 large sweet red peppers, cut into large pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 ciabatta rolls, split
8 slices provolone cheese

Steps:

For aioli, place the first 8 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. , Brush vegetables with oil. Place in broiling pan and broil 3-4 inches from heat, or grill, covered, over medium heat until tender, 4-5 minutes per side. Chop the peppers when cool enough to handle. , Spread cut sides of each roll with 2 tablespoons aioli; top each with cheese. Layer bottoms with eggplant and peppers. Replace tops., In a panini press, grill sandwiches until cheese is melted, 5-7 minutes. Serve remaining aioli with sandwiches or save for another use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 732 calories, Fat 38g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 1116mg sodium, Carbohydrate 83g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 23g protein.