Roasted Vegetable & Feta Sandwiches

Inspired by that famous New Orleans sandwich, the muffaletta, this jazzy vegetarian version is actually good for you.

Recipe 6 servings; Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 medium eggplant, (about 1 pound)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, rinsed and chopped

Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 ounces feta cheese

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch of crushed red pepper

1 round loaf whole-wheat country bread, (about 9 inches across)

PREPARATION

Preheat a grill or the broiler. Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. If using a grill, oil the grill rack (see Tip). Brush 1/2 tablespoon oil over both sides of the slices. Grill or broil the eggplant until lightly browned and tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. Chop the eggplant coarsely and mix with red peppers. Season with salt and pepper.

Mash feta with a fork in a small bowl. Add lemon juice, oregano, crushed red pepper and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil; blend until smooth and spreadable. Season with pepper.

Slice loaf in half horizontally and scoop out about 1 inch of the soft interior from each half. (Reserve for another use, such as breadcrumbs.) Spread the seasoned feta in the bottom half of the loaf. Spoon the chopped eggplant and peppers over the cheese and replace the bread top firmly. Cut into wedges.

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Store well wrapped in the refrigerator or a cooler with a cold pack for up to 8 hours.

To oil a grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)

NUTRITION

Per serving: 226 calories; 5 g fat ( 2 g sat , 2 g mono ); 7 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein; 3 g fiber; 613 mg sodium; 171 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (20% daily value).

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 high-fat meat