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The basil vinaigrette can be made ahead.Serves four.
ingredients
For the vinaigrette:
3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbs. pine nuts
2 Tbs. red-wine vinegar
Scant 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
For the sandwich:
1 large globe eggplant (about 2 lb.)
Salt
Olive oil
8 slices country bread
8 slices ripe tomatoes
1 bunch arugula, rinsed and dried, stems trimmed
4 thin slices provolone cheese
how to make
To make the vinaigrette: In a food processor, combine the basil, thyme, garlic, pine nuts, and vinegar. Process until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream. Adjust seasonings if needed.
To prepare the eggplant: Partially peel the eggplant lengthwise, leaving 1/2-inch stripes of skin. Slice the eggplant 1/2 inch thick, sprinkle the slices generously with salt, and let stand in a colander for about 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly, gently squeeze each slice dry, and pat with paper towels. Light a grill fire. Brush the slices generously with olive oil. Over a part of the grill that's medium hot, grill the slices until soft and cooked through, about 5 min. per side.
Grill the bread slices until lightly toasted. Brush the eggplant, tomatoes, and the slices of bread with the vinaigrette. Assemble each sandwich with arugula leaves, eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese. Slice each sandwich and serve.
From Fine Cooking 34, pp. 39-43
August 2, 1999
photo: Scott Phillips
