ARTICHOKE AND EGGPLANT PANINI

Artichoke and Eggplant Panini image

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Yield Makes 4 (main course) servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (6 1/2-ounces) jar marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 small garlic clove
1 (3/4-pound) eggplant
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 (1-pound) round loaf Italian bread, 8 (1/3-inch-thick) slices cut from middle
1/4 pound Fontina (preferably Italian), thinly sliced

Steps:

Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat; see grilling procedure .
Pulse artichokes, mayonnaise, capers, and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
Trim off a thin slice from 2 opposite long sides of eggplant, then cut eggplant lengthwise into 4 (1/3-inch-thick) slices. Brush both sides of slices with 2 tablespoons oil (total) and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Grill eggplant slices, covered, turning once and brushing grilled sides with 1 tablespoon oil (total), until golden-brown and tender, about 4 minutes, then transfer to a tray.
Brush both sides of bread with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and grill, covered, without turning, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes.
Top each of 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, with cheese and an eggplant slice. Spread artichoke mixture on remaining 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, then assemble sandwiches.
Put sandwiches on grill and press down with a metal spatula, then grill, turning once, until heated through and grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total.