Vegan Roasted Eggplant Sandwich

Oh, the mighty sandwich! Beloved by stoners, busy bees, lunch-packing parents, and indecisive foodies everywhere. But why, you ask, does this humble stack of bread and fillings hold such power over our hearts (and stomachs)? Well, buckle up, my friend, for a journey into the hilarious heart of sandwich obsession:

1. Convenience: The Sandwich is the original fast food. Forget chips in your brain and flying cars, the future is already here, and it comes with two slices of bread and a questionable amount of avocado. Who needs fancy utensils when you can just shove deliciousness into your face? Sandwiches are the ultimate “I-need-to-eat-but-haven’t-moved-from-my-desk-in-8-hours” solution.

2. Versatility: The Sandwich is a culinary chameleon. From dainty cucumber finger sandwiches to towering monstrosities piled high with everything but the kitchen sink, there’s a sandwich for every mood, occasion, and level of hunger. It’s like a blank canvas for your wildest flavor dreams (or, you know, leftover Thanksgiving desperation).

3. Comfort: The Sandwich is a warm hug on a plate. Remember those childhood lunches of perfectly-squished peanut butter and jelly? Or the melty grilled cheese that brought you solace after a scraped knee? Sandwiches are nostalgia incarnate, wrapped in delicious edible paper. They’re the food equivalent of slipping into your favorite pajamas after a long day.

4. Affordability: The Sandwich is a budget champion. Let’s be honest, sometimes our wallets are flatter than a deflated pool float. But fear not, for the humble sandwich is here to save the day! With a little creativity and pantry staples, you can whip up a meal fit for a king (or at least the afternoon munchies).

5. Experimentation: The Sandwich is a culinary playground. Feeling adventurous? Throw caution (and maybe some questionable ingredients) to the wind! The only limit to sandwich creation is your imagination (and possibly the laws of physics). Who knows, you might just invent the next viral food trend – the “PB&J with Sriracha and Raw Onions” (don’t say I didn’t warn you).

So there you have it, the not-so-secret reasons why we’re all obsessed with the mighty sandwich. Now go forth, my reader, and create your own delicious masterpiece! Just maybe skip the raw onions… unless you’re feeling really brave.

How to make a roasted eggplant sandwich

1. Prep the Eggplant:
   • Slice up your eggplant
   • Transfer all the slices to a kitchen towel so that no slices are on top of each other.
   • Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices, and let it sit for 20 minutes
     • This helps remove some of the excess water in eggplant
2. Roast to Perfection: 
   • In a medium saucepan, turn the heat on medium to high and roast your eggplant in the pan until a golden brown.
     • Remember to flip continuously to avoid burning. You want them golden brown looking, but not too crispy that they crunch.
     • Another roasting option is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Toast the Bread: While the eggplant enjoys its sauna session, toast your vegan pretzel bun or other bread to your desired level of crispness.
4. Assemble the Masterpiece: Spread a generous layer of nut-free basil hemp heart pesto on each bread slice. Top with roasted eggplant slices, marinated roasted bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, salt & pepper. Then add any other desired toppings (veggies, avocado etc.). If using a vegan cheese, broil the sandwich for a minute or two to melt it to gooey perfection.
5. The Grand Finale: Smash the 2 slices together, and cut the sandwich in half (diagonally is fancy!) and devour!

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the eggplant slices instead of roasting them.
• If you don’t have time to make my Nut-Free Basil Hemp Heart Pesto, you can make a simple spread with mashed avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Add a protein punch with tempeh slices.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon for a tangy twist.

Remember, this is your sandwich adventure! Play with flavors, textures, and toppings to create your own unique masterpiece. Enjoy!