Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Sweet summertime.

I must say I'm not a fan of this weird weather. One day it's insane dust clouds and the next it's humidity that makes my hair instantly frizz up into a crazy afro the moment I step outside.

Why can't it be perfect enough to sit outside and grill {veggie} burgers and adorn them with refreshing toppings and sip on ice cold {sugarless} lemonade?!

Sigh. Summer '10, where'd you go?

Don't worry guys! I have the next best thing.

Have you ever heard of a cast iron skillet? Get one. Using it is the equivalent of grilling inside.

And then, make this!!


Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches with Cucumber Mango Salsa

Since the basic sandwiches were based on this previous recipe, I will just inform you of the very simple adaptation.

I used a cast iron skillet instead of the oven to cook the eggplant:


It cuts the time down a lot! Just place the eggplant slices on the skillet, drizzle with a generous amount of oil, a sprinkle of salt, and cook over medium heat. Since the skillet gets really hot after awhile, it's helpful to turn the heat down a bit to ensure the eggplant doesn't burn. It's pretty cool--after the slices cook, they get that charred look!!

Next adaptation:


Cucumber Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 1 mango
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 green chili
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • salt & pepper to taste

Peel and chop the mango, cucumber, and garlic. Then combine all ingredients in a bowl, cover, and put in the fridge to chill for at least 20 minutes before eating. 


Let's put it all together!

Take thick slice of ciabatta bread and slice it in half horizontally to make a sandwich. Spread tomato sauce on both sides, then place grilled eggplant on the bottom slice.


Top with salsa.


Close the sandwich (optional). You could eat it open-faced, too!


Sweet and salty rolled into one! I'm usually not a fan of the sweet/salty combo, but...it does work sometimes!

I have made an executive decision that a fitness post must be written soon! Anyone else in agreement?

And does anyone else have the frizzy hair problem? It's the worst.

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