Grilled eggplant is one of life's simpler pleasures: creamy and rich. Look for medium-size, purple eggplants with firm skins and no mushy spots. This end-of-summer treat will be even tastier if you can find the vegetables at a local farmstand—or in your own backyard!

Makes 4 sandwiches

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
8 1/2-inch slices eggplant (about 1 small)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
8 slices whole-grain country bread
8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
4 thin slices red onion

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.
3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 337 calories; 16 g fat (6 g sat, 6 g mono); 22 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrate; 12 g protein; 7 g fiber; 659 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Folate (28% daily value), Calcium (25% dv), Selenium (23% dv), Iron (15% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Servings

Looks exotic, tastes fabulous.

Alice, Me

My husband and I aren't usually big fans of eggplant, but we both loved this sandwich. It was delicious.

Deb, Upland, Ca

I make this sandwich w/ fresh mushrooms instead of bell bepper & onion. I also use fat free cream cheese instead of mayo& mozzarella then top w/ handful of sprouts!!

Anonymous, shreveport, LA

This was great...Served it by the pool! Perfect for summer...also the Watermelon Gazpacho on this site is yum yum!!

Anonymous, Hong Kong

We LOVE this sandwich in our home! We actually puree the roasted red peppers with the mayo and use that to "sauce" the bread. It is SO filling and yummy!

, Nashville, TN

I made this for lunch today and I didn't think it looked as great as it sounded but the taste was amazing for just a sandwich! Instead of using jarred peppers I grilled some fresh bell peppers and it was great.

Super easy, quick and delicious. Save this one in your files!

Anonymous, Traverse City, MI

This is so good and easy!

Erin, Pittsburgh, PA

This was very good. I made it exactly according to the recipe. However, what I didn't like was the sweetness of the basil. But that is purely preference. Next time I will use mayo without basil and add some wilted spinach leaves. Yum!

Robyn, CA

WOAH! The salt >> it's a killer! What loonie creates a "healthy" recipe with enuf salt to raise bp by 50 points???

bill4prez, Blue Bell, PA

I use homemade hummus on the bread instead of mayo for a protein punch and omit the cheese. Eggplant, roasted red peppers and hummus is a great combination.

lalli, Montreal, QC

Why does recipe call for 8 slices of eggplant as well as 8 slices of bread? From the picture, it appears only one slice eggplant is in each sandwich. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like a winner. Thank you.

Sally Livengood, Tacoma, WA

Hey Bill4prez, try substituting garlic powder for the garlic salt. You'll still have the flavor without the salt. I do that in all of my recipes that call for garlic salt. Works great for my family.

Laura, South, FL

Do you peel the eggplant?

cchalifoux, Ashby, MA

I don't know if eggplant should be peeled but I do peel it just for the sake of sanitation.

Bob, Louisville, KY

Loved this recipe. It looked just like the picture. My husband who doesn't like vegetable very much, liked it too. Thanks!

Cindy, Norwalk, IA

Don't peel the eggplant unless it's non-organic and out of season. I very rarely peel eggplant. I'm about to try a similar sandwich...needed this recipe to help me get the eggplant part right!

Dani, VT

Instead of mayo, I use pesto sauce and use olive oil on the outside of the bread. I use my cast iron skillet and rest another one on top of the sandwich to smash it and make it thinner, easier to eat! I love the idea of adding portabellas to this also! Thanks!

Kiss the cook, Mobile, AL

Had this sandwich at the botanical garden cafe in new york. was so good.

bettie, weatherford, tx

Why is everything described as "creamy", from eggplant to Mediterranean grain dishes? If it's consistency, I will disagree. "Creamy" can't refer to anything except something with cream in it, or at least melted cheese. I don't think I would like "creamy eggplant" and I love eggplant. May I add that not everyone has a grill, a backyard or access to a "local farmstand?"

Robyn O, New York, NY

I really enjoyed this.. I picked it because it sounded like it would taste good and it did not disappoint. The first thing out of my husband's mouth was.. "Mmmmm!" Will definitely be making this on a consistent basis.

Latoya, East Brunswick, NJ

I live in upstate NY and have been to NYC and I've seen fresh vegetables being sold in the summer. Creamy refers to the texture of the flesh of the eggplant in the mouth.

Kathy, Gloversville, NY

I do not recommend peeling when you grill it. For sauteing in a pan, then peel away.

Kathy, Gloversville, NY

Added dill to the mayo instead of basil and left out the cheese for less calories! so good!

Anonymous, pittsburgh, pa

i thought was the best, tastiest eggplant panini that i had ever fixed. the basil and mayo,mmmmm good!!! i know that they are yet to be in season, but i had to try it.

Lauren Hill, McDermott, Oh