Eggplant & Black Olive Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Serves: 3 – 4
 
Ingredients:
1/4 cup flour 
1/4 tsp kosher salt 
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper 
1 italian eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch 
1 cup olive oil 
1 loaf focaccia bread
4 tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 roasted red peppers, peeled and seeded
1 1/2 cups grated asiago cheese 
Stonewall Black Olive Pesto to taste


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Coat each eggplant slice with the seasoned flour. In a large skillet heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil over medium-high heat and fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, adding more oil as needed. Remove the eggplant from the skillet and blot lightly on paper towels.  Cut the focaccia in 1/2 horizontally and spread the Black Olive Pesto on the inside of both halves. Arrange the eggplant slices on 1 half of the focaccia. Layer the tomatoes and roasted peppers on top and sprinkle with cheese. Cover with the other half of the focaccia, pressing firmly to join. Cut the sandwich in 2 pieces. Brush each side of the focaccia with olive oil. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and grill both sides until golden and crispy. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.  Cut each sandwich into 3 and serve warm. 

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