Unforgettable Eggplant Sandwich with Caramelized Onion Jam
Discover how I recreated this restaurant favorite at home
Have you ever had one of those meals that just sticks with you? For me, it was an unforgettable vegetarian eggplant sandwich with caramelized onion jam my husband ordered at a cool neighborhood butcher shop on one of our dates. When he first ordered it, I was a bit skeptical. Eggplant in a sandwich at a butcher shop? But after one bite, I was hooked. It was so good, I couldn't believe it! The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted.
Naturally, when we got home, I couldn't stop thinking about that sandwich. I knew I had to try to replicate it. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work in the kitchen. After a few attempts, some tweaks, and taste tests, I finally nailed it. I am happy to say that today I will share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy this delicious eggplant sandwich in the comfort of your own home.
The key to this sandwich is the perfect balance of flavors. The eggplant is grilled until golden brown, giving it a tender texture. The caramelized onion jam adds a sweetness note that pairs wonderfully with the eggplant. And the spicy mayo adds just the right amount of kick to make the sandwich even more special.
When I first tried to recreate this sandwich, I knew the eggplant had to be just right. I found that grilling thicker eggplant slices in a skillet with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper brought out a similar texture and flavor. But if you can and the weather allows grill the eggplant outside, and the eggplants will get a smoky flavor that will add some complexity to the dish.
Next came the caramelized onion jam. This was a bit of a challenge at first. I wanted to achieve that rich, sweet-savory taste without making it too sugary. I ended up using a mix of onion, salt, a bit of sugar, and a hint of wine vinegar to create a jam that hits all the notes. Here is the recipe to make perfect caramelized onion jam, feel free to swap onion for shallots.
Caramelized Onion Jam
Servings: 1 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 Kg diced purple onion or shallot
3/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Water as needed
Instructions:
Cook the Onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook onions with salt until translucent (~10 min).
Add Sugar: Sprinkle sugar, stir, and caramelize for 5 minutes.
Deglaze: Add vinegar, scrape the pan, and reduce for 5 minutes until jam-like.
Finish Cooking: Continue for an additional 15 minutes, adding water if dry.
Cool and Store: Cool slightly, transfer to a container, and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
Serve: Use as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or add flavor to soups and stews.
Of course, the spicy mayo was a great addition here. It’s so simple to make but adds so a nice spiciness to it. I mixed some mayo with a bit of sriracha, lime juice, a pinch of paprika and salt. The result is a creamy, slightly spicy spread that ties everything together perfectly.
Spicy Mayo
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tsp sriracha sauce
1 tsp lime juice
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lime juice, and salt.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The first time I served this sandwich at home, it was an instant hit. My husband, who had fallen in love with the original, gave it a big thumbs up. And my friends, who are usually skeptical of anything with eggplant, loved it. It’s now a staple in our household, especially for a casual weekend lunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily add your own twist to it. Sometimes, I like to add some arugula for an extra layer of flavor. Swap the onions for caramelized shallots (just use the same volume). If you're a fan of a bit more heat, you can always up the amount of sriracha in the mayo.
the recipe | Grilled Eggplant Sandwich
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant, sliced into thicker slices
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Spicy Mayo (refer to separate recipe)
Lettuce or arugula leaves
4 tablespoons caramelized onion jam (refer to separate recipe)
4 brioche buns
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggplant:
Season the eggplant slices with salt and pepper.
Cook the Eggplant:
Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
Cook eggplant slices about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread spicy mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Add a cooked eggplant slice and green leaves.
Spoon caramelized onion jam on the top half of the bun.
Cover with the top half of the bun.
This eggplant sandwich with caramelized jam and spicy mayo is a recipe to keep. It’s proof that vegetarian meals can be exciting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your diet, this sandwich is a delight.
So, next time you're in the mood for something different, give this sandwich a try. And who knows? It might just become a new favorite in your household, just like it did in mine.
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