portobello, eggplant, and roasted red pepper panini

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 2 red bell peppers
• 4 portobello mushroom caps
• 1 cup fat-free balsamic vinaigrette
• 4 (1/2 inch thick) slices eggplant, peeled
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons grated parmesan cheese
• 8 slices focaccia bread
• 1/4 cup fat free ranch dressing
• 4 thin slices swiss cheese
• 4 thin slices asiago cheese

Recipe

Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Ready Time: 9 hrs


• preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source. line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
• cut the peppers in half from top to bottom; remove the stem, seeds, and ribs, then place the peppers cut sides down the prepared baking sheet.
• cook under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, about 5 minutes. place the blackened peppers into a bowl, and tightly seal with plastic wrap. allow the peppers to steam as they cool, about 20 minutes. once cool, remove the skins and discard. refrigerate overnight.
• place the portobello mushroom caps into a resealable plastic bag, and pour in the balsamic vinaigrette. squeeze out excess air, and seal. marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
• the following day, preheat an electric double sided grill (such as george foreman® grill) according to manufacturers' directions. sprinkle the eggplant slices with garlic powder and onion powder.
• remove the portobello mushrooms from the marinade, and discard the remaining marinade. cook on the preheated grill until tender 4 to 5 minutes. cook the eggplant slices on the preheated grill until tender 4 to 5 minutes. remove, set a plate, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. set aside.
• to assemble the sandwiches, spread each slice of focaccia with ranch dressing. place a slice of cheese on each piece of bread. place the eggplant slices, roasted peppers, and a portobello mushroom four of the slices of bread. top with the remaining bread.
• spray the double sided grill with cooking spray, and cook the sandwiches until the cheese has melted, the sandwiches are hot in the center, and the bread is golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes.