This savory sandwich combines crispy fried eggplant slices with creamy goat cheese, all layered together with a rich, tangy tomato tarragon sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner. The crunchy breaded eggplant pairs wonderfully with the smooth, mild goat cheese, and the herbaceous tomato sauce adds a burst of flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes (one 28-ounce can)

• 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon

• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Eggplant:

• 1 cup dry bread crumbs (plain Panko works well)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 eggplants, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices (16 slices total)

• 4 eggs, beaten

• Cooking oil for frying

• ½ pound mild goat cheese (e.g., Montrachet), cut into 8 rounds

Directions

1. Make the Tomato Tarragon Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the crushed tomatoes, tarragon, ¾ teaspoon salt, and sugar, then simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, stir in ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

2. Prepare the Eggplant:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
   Dip each slice of eggplant in the beaten eggs, then coat them well with the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Fry the Eggplant:
   Heat about ½ inch of cooking oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the eggplant slices in batches, turning them once, until golden and cooked through (about 1–2 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Arrange half of the fried eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place a round of goat cheese on top of each eggplant slice, then top with the remaining eggplant slices. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the goat cheese melts.

5. Serve:
   Spoon the tomato tarragon sauce onto plates and top with the eggplant and goat cheese stacks. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Estimated per sandwich, serves 4)

• Calories: ~350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Protein: ~12g

• Fat: ~22g

• Saturated Fat: ~6g

• Fiber: ~6g

The Richness of Fried Eggplant

Eggplant is often an underappreciated vegetable, but when prepared correctly, it can be a true culinary delight. In this sandwich, the eggplant is sliced, breaded, and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with its soft and tender interior. The eggplant slices are light yet substantial, absorbing just the right amount of oil for a crisp, satisfying bite.

Frying the eggplant not only enhances its texture but also brings out its natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy sauce and creamy cheese. The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch with each bite, making it a delightful base for the sandwich’s layers.

The Creamy Goat Cheese

The key to this sandwich’s indulgence is the mild goat cheese. Goat cheese, with its smooth, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor, melts beautifully when warmed, creating a rich and velvety layer atop the eggplant. The goat cheese balances the crispy fried eggplant, providing a rich and creamy contrast to the crunchiness of the breaded exterior.

Goat cheese adds depth to the sandwich without overwhelming the other flavors. Its mild flavor lets the other ingredients shine, especially the herbaceous tomato tarragon sauce. The cheese also gives the sandwich an indulgent creaminess that perfectly complements the other savory elements.

The Herbaceous Tomato Tarragon Sauce

What truly sets this sandwich apart is the tomato tarragon sauce. While the tomato base offers a tangy, savory depth, it’s the tarragon that takes this sauce to the next level. Tarragon is a fragrant herb with a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes. The addition of tarragon elevates the sauce, adding complexity and a subtle herbal note that enhances the entire sandwich.

The sauce is simmered slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. The onions, cooked until translucent, release their sweetness, which complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the tarragon. The result is a sauce that’s full of rich, deep flavors with a hint of brightness, making it the perfect topping for the eggplant and goat cheese stack.

A Layered Sandwich Experience

When assembling the sandwich, you’ll create layers that work together to provide a delightful texture contrast. The fried eggplant slices serve as the foundation, their golden, crunchy surface creating the perfect vessel for the creamy goat cheese. The cheese is placed on top of the eggplant, melting into the warm slices and binding the components together. The final touch is a spoonful of the tomato tarragon sauce, which is drizzled generously over the top, adding a tangy and fresh burst of flavor.

The combination of the crispy eggplant, melted goat cheese, and savory tomato sauce creates a sandwich that’s not only satisfying but also balanced in flavors. Every bite offers a mix of textures, from the crunchy crust of the eggplant to the soft, melty cheese, and the juicy, flavorful sauce. It’s a sandwich that feels hearty and comforting, while also offering a fresh, vibrant flavor profile.

The Versatility of This Dish

While this sandwich is already a complete and satisfying meal, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap out the goat cheese for mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. You could also add additional toppings, such as arugula, spinach, or fresh basil, to bring in more layers of flavor and texture.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce could be added to the tomato tarragon sauce to give it an extra kick. You could also serve the sandwich on a variety of breads—crusty baguettes, soft ciabatta rolls, or even a toasted sourdough loaf would all work wonderfully with the flavors in this dish.

Perfect for Lunch, Dinner, or Even Meal Prep

This Fried Eggplant Sandwich with Goat Cheese and Tomato Tarragon Sauce is a perfect meal for a leisurely lunch or light dinner. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients come together quickly for a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The recipe also makes a great option for meal prep; the eggplant and sauce can be made ahead of time, and the sandwiches can be assembled and served when needed.

For a complete meal, serve the sandwich with a side salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness of a simple green salad or the richness of roasted potatoes will complement the sandwich perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Satisfying Sandwich

The Fried Eggplant Sandwich with Goat Cheese and Tomato Tarragon Sauce is a delightful dish that combines rich, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite. The crispy, golden fried eggplant, the creamy goat cheese, and the tangy tomato tarragon sauce come together to create a sandwich that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch, a light dinner, or something to impress at your next gathering, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance—crispy, creamy, tangy, and herbaceous all at once. It’s a unique twist on traditional sandwiches, offering an elevated, delicious experience that’s sure to please your taste buds. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for a flavorful, satisfying meal. You won’t regret it.