Description
These Eggplant and Goat Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Tarragon Sauce are a delicious, vegetarian option perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender roasted eggplant slices are layered with creamy goat cheese, fresh greens, and topped with a tangy tomato tarragon sauce. This dish is bursting with flavors and makes for a hearty, yet light sandwich!
Ingredients
For the Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
For the Goat Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or parsley, if preferred)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Tarragon Sauce:
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Sandwich:
- 4 hearty sandwich rolls, ciabatta or whole-grain bread works well
- Fresh spinach or arugula (optional, for extra greens)
- Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and slightly browned. - Make the Goat Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened goat cheese with chopped basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside. - Make the Tomato Tarragon Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices. Stir in the tarragon, balsamic vinegar, sugar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat. - Assemble the Sandwiches:
Slice the sandwich rolls in half. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on the cut sides of the bread and toast them lightly in a hot pan or under the broiler for extra crispiness.On the bottom half of each roll, spread a generous amount of the goat cheese mixture. Layer with the roasted eggplant slices, then top with a few spoonfuls of the tomato tarragon sauce. Add some fresh spinach or arugula if you like extra greens. Top with the other half of the roll.
- Serve:
Serve the sandwiches warm with a side of your choice, such as a simple salad, chips, or roasted potatoes.
Notes
- You can make the tomato tarragon sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it when assembling the sandwiches.
- If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try adding roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for additional depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches, Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg