Saucy eggplant with melted cheese piled on hoagie rolls is total Italian-inspired comfort food. These require a little extra work, but are worth the effort!
Black olives, sliced (2.25 oz / 63 g)
- 1 can
, drained and rinsed
Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp
Vinegar, red or white wine
- 1 Tbsp
Oregano, dried
- 1/4 tsp
Oil, olive
- 3 Tbsp
Prep
Eggplant - Slice eggplant (you can peel the eggplant first if you’d like) and set out on sheet pan. Sprinkle on both sides with some salt (this will help to draw out extra moisture) and let sit for 10 minutes.
Turn on the oven’s broiler (low setting if possible) and place a rack about 8” / 20cm beneath the heat source.
Slide the sheet pan with eggplant slices under the broiler. Broil, flipping halfway through cooking, until eggplant is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove eggplant slices from the pan and set aside.
Heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then garlic, basil and oregano (portion for the subs) to heated oil. Cook just until fragrant, ~1 minute. Pour crushed tomatoes over top and bring to a simmer.
Remove sauce from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Slice open hoagie rolls and lay out flat, cut-side up onto the sheet pan used for the eggplant. Broil just until starting to turn golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
Divide eggplant slices and sauce between rolls. Top with mozzarella. Return to broiler and continue cooking until cheese is bubbly and melted.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar and oregano (portion for the salad). Add olive oil while whisking. Top with tomatoes, lettuce and black olives. Toss to combine.
Serve eggplant subs with salad on the side. Enjoy!