Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Fontina Panini with Spinach Salad

Health score
42%
Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Fontina Panini with Spinach Salad
45 min.
4
403kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Fontina Panini, perfectly paired with a refreshing spinach salad. This vibrant dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of grilled eggplant and sweet red bell peppers, layered with creamy Fontina cheese, creates a mouthwatering sandwich that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Imagine biting into a warm, crispy panini, where the rich, melted cheese mingles with the smoky notes of grilled vegetables, all encased in perfectly toasted olive or country white bread. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, enhanced by the aromatic touch of fresh basil and oregano. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

In just 45 minutes, you can prepare this delightful lunch or dinner option that serves four, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With a caloric breakdown that balances protein, fats, and carbohydrates, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free. The accompanying spinach salad, dressed with balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil, adds a crisp and refreshing contrast, making this meal a wholesome choice for any occasion. Dive into this delicious panini and salad combo, and elevate your dining experience today!

Ingredients

  • ounce baby spinach 
  • tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
  • 8.5 inch country bread white
  • 14 ounce eggplant 
  • ounces fontina thinly sliced
  • tablespoons basil fresh chopped
  • tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
  • teaspoons oregano fresh chopped
  • tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
  • large bell peppers red cut lengthwise into 1 1/2- to 2-inch-wide strips

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • whisk
  • grill
  • spatula
  • panini press

Directions

  1. Brush panini press, panini pan, or grill rack with oil; heat press, pan, or barbecue (medium-high heat).
  2. Brush eggplant rounds and pepper strips with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Working in batches, grill eggplant until tender, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Working in batches, grill bell peppers until tender, turning occasionally and flattening with back of spatula for even cooking, about 6 minutes.
  3. Place 8 eggplant rounds and 8 bell pepperstrips on rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Place remaining eggplant and peppers on work surface and slice thinly; reserve for salad.
  5. Place 4 bread slices on work surface. Divide half of Fontina cheese among bread slices; top each with 2 eggplant rounds, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon basil, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Top each with 2 bell pepper strips. Arrange remaining Fontina cheese atop peppers, then top with remaining bread slices, pressing to compact. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover with plastic and let stand at room temperature.
  6. Heat panini press, panini pan, or barbecue (medium-high heat).
  7. Brushpress or pan with oil (if using barbecue, lightly brush bread slices with oil).
  8. Place sandwiches in press or pan or on grill; cover and cook until bread is golden and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.
  9. Meanwhile, whisk 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar in large bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper.
  10. Add spinach, thinly sliced eggplant, and thinly sliced peppers; toss to coat. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.
  11. Cut sandwiches in half.
  12. Serve with spinach salad.

Nutrition Facts

Calories403kcal
Protein20.3%
Fat61.41%
Carbs18.29%

Properties

Glycemic Index
80.19
Glycemic Load
4.56
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
30.871304325435%

Flavonoids

Delphinidin
85.02mg
Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.77mg
Kaempferol
2.28mg
Myricetin
0.12mg
Quercetin
1.64mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:402.67kcal
20.13%
Fat:28.29g
43.52%
Saturated Fat:13.58g
84.89%
Carbohydrates:18.95g
6.32%
Net Carbohydrates:12.47g
4.53%
Sugar:8.96g
9.95%
Cholesterol:74.47mg
24.82%
Sodium:689.24mg
29.97%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:21.04g
42.09%
Vitamin K:205.25µg
195.48%
Vitamin C:117.51mg
142.43%
Vitamin A:6656.9IU
133.14%
Calcium:498.02mg
49.8%
Manganese:0.82mg
40.81%
Folate:144.39µg
36.1%
Phosphorus:333.02mg
33.3%
Vitamin E:3.92mg
26.12%
Fiber:6.48g
25.94%
Vitamin B6:0.48mg
23.76%
Zinc:3.09mg
20.6%
Vitamin B2:0.35mg
20.51%
Potassium:694.63mg
19.85%
Selenium:13.8µg
19.72%
Vitamin B12:1.09µg
18.13%
Magnesium:71.78mg
17.95%
Iron:2.77mg
15.36%
Vitamin B3:2.16mg
10.82%
Vitamin B1:0.16mg
10.45%
Copper:0.19mg
9.33%
Vitamin B5:0.89mg
8.89%
Vitamin D:0.39µg
2.6%
Source:Epicurious