Aubergine and Smoked-Gouda Open-Faced Grilled Sandwiches

Ingredients for Aubergine and Smoked-Gouda Open-Faced Grilled Sandwiches

• 450g tomatoes, finely chopped (2 1/2 cups)

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 3/4 teaspoons salt

• 1 (230g) piece smoked cheese such as Gouda, mozzarella, or scamorza

• 4 (3/4-inch-thick) slices country-style bread (from an 8-inch round loaf)

• 2 (1-lb) aubergines

How to make Aubergine and Smoked-Gouda Open-Faced Grilled Sandwiches

Prepare grill for cooking over direct heat with medium-hot charcoal (moderate heat for gas); see Grilling Procedureepi:recipelink.</epi:recipelink>

While grill is heating, stir together tomatoes, parsley, 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, pepper, and 3/4 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl.

With a cheese plane or vegetable peeler, shave half of cheese into thin slices (if using mozzarella, thinly slice half of it with a knife) and cover slices with plastic wrap, reserving remaining piece for another use.

Brush bread on both sides with 1 tablespoon oil per slice.

Trim off top and bottom of each aubergine, then cut 2 (1-inch-thick) slices lengthwise from centre of each aubergine, discarding remainder. Brush cut sides with 45ml oil (total) and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt.

Lightly oil grill rack, then grill aubergine slices (covered only if using a gas grill), loosening with a metal spatula and turning occasionally to avoid overbrowning, until very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. While aubergine is grilling, grill bread, turning over once, until grill marks form, 1 to 2 minutes total, and transfer to a large platter.

Transfer aubergine to platter, then top evenly with sliced cheese and return to grill and cook, covered for charcoal or gas, without turning, until cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute. Transfer aubergine with spatula to platter.

Transfer grilled bread to 4 plates and spoon tomato mixture on top. Drizzle evenly with remaining tablespoon oil and top with aubergine. Season with pepper to taste.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.