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Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich With Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta!

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup couscous
-1/2 cup vegetable broth
-1 large eggplant, diced into cubes
-1/4 cup breadcrumbs
-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
-1/4 cup ricotta cheese
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-Salt to taste
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan
-For the sandwich:
-Ciabatta bread
-2 ounces burrata cheese
-1 cup fresh arugula
-1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a medium-sized pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. When it starts to boil, add the couscous and reduce heat to low. Stir the couscous occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes.

3. In the meantime, place the diced eggplant onto a large baking sheet. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and extra-virgin olive oil over the top. Mix everything together and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring a few times during cooking.

4. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together and season with salt to taste.

5. When the couscous and eggplant are both cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

6. In a medium bowl, combine cooked couscous, roasted eggplant, ricotta mixture, and grated Parmesan. Stir everything together and set aside.

7. Take a piece of Ciabatta bread, spread couscous mixture onto one side, top with burrata cheese and fresh arugula. Drizzle a bit of extra-virign olive oil on top.

8. Place the sandwich onto a hot griddle over medium heat, cover with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown.

9. Remove from the griddle, cut into slices and serve warm.

Nutrition:
Calories 464 ; Total Fat 16.8 g ; Saturated Fat 4.2 g ; Sodium 707 mg ; Potassium 521 mg ; Total Carbohydrates 57.8 g ; Dietary Fiber 9.4 g ; Total Sugars 10.4 g ; Protein 16.7 g

Beer Pairing: A light Saison beer or a Belgian wheat beer will be a great pairing for the sandwich.

Descriptive Paragraph:

History of Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta

Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta is a popular Italian-American dish that is a combination of creamy burrata cheese, crispy fried eggplant cutlet, and fresh arugula, all sandwiched between two slices of toasted Ciabatta bread. It originated in the Northwestern region of Lombardy, Italy where a wide variety of vegetable-based dishes were popular. The sandwich was typically used as a quick and easy lunch option and the original recipe was much simpler than its current incarnation, consisting of just fire-roasted eggplant cutlets, olive oil, and some lemon juice. However, over time, the sandwich evolved to include other ingredients such as burrata cheese, arugula, and Ciabatta bread.

Where is Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich Popular?

Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta has become increasingly popular in both Italy and the United States. It can be found in a variety of Italian-American restaurants and delis, as well as in many high-end restaurants. The sandwich has become popular in part due to its combination of flavors and textures, as well as its convenience. The use of hearty and flavorful eggplant cutlets makes it a full meal rather than a simple snack, while its simplicity allows it to be consumed on the go.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The traditional recipe for Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta includes four key ingredients: eggplant cutlets, burrata cheese, arugula, and Ciabatta bread. The eggplant cutlets are usually fried in olive oil, giving them a crispy and crunchy texture. The burrata cheese is a creamy Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, adding richness and flavor to the sandwich. Arugula gives the sandwich a peppery kick, while Ciabatta serves as the perfect vessel for the other ingredients.

One of the great things about the Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich is that many of the ingredients can be substituted. For example, the eggplant cutlets can be replaced with chicken, turkey, or beef cutlets if desired. The burrata can also be replaced with mozzarella or ricotta cheese. Other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms can be added to the sandwich in place of the arugula, and Ciabatta can be swapped out for any other kind of Italian bread, such as focaccia or panino.

Interesting Facts About Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich

One of the most interesting facts about Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta is that it requires minimal cooking time. The eggplant cutlets can be cooked in just minutes, making it a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Another interesting fact about the sandwich is that it can be eaten hot or cold. The fire-roasted eggplant cutlets can be served either warm or chilled, making it a versatile dish that can be eaten all year round.

Conclusion

Fire-Roasted Eggplant Milanese Sandwich with Burrata, Arugula, and Ciabatta is an incredibly delicious and convenient sandwich that is popular in both Italy and the United States. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a meal that can be enjoyed any time of day, while its versatility allows for numerous ingredient substitutions. Furthermore, its quick cooking time ensures that it can be prepared in a matter of minutes, making it a great choice for busy days.

Burrata
Ciabatta