Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich

Ingredients

• Ciabatta bread (2 rolls)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Basil leaves (a handful)
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Marinara sauce (1 cup)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup)
• Eggs (2)
• Eggplant (1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
6. Spread marinara sauce on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll.
7. Place a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the marinara sauce.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the eggplant slices.
9. Top with fresh basil leaves.
10. Place the top half of the ciabatta roll on the sandwich.
11. Bake the sandwiches in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!