Recipe: Eggplant and Meat Patty Sandwiches

EGGPLANT AND MEAT PATTY SANDWICHES

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs, plain or flavored
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg beaten
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp black pepper or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper
1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed
1 small eggplant
2 tbsp each olive oil and butter or margarine, melted
8 thin slices italian bread, toasted
lettuce
4 slices provolone or mozarella cheese
8 slices tomato

In a bowl, combine meat, crumbs, cheese, egg, oregano, pepper and garlic. Mix well with hands. Shape into 4 rounds about the size of eggplant slices. Remove to a skillet.

Fry over medium heat, turning once, until crispy and brown.
As meat fries, slice eggplant into 8 slices, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Combine oil and butter. Brush over slices. Broil, turning once, until golden brown.

For each sandwich, layer bread slice, lettuce, 1 slice eggplant, meat patty, cheese, another eggplant slice and tomato. Top with bread slice. Press together. Serve.