Grilled Eggplant Parmigiana Heros

Ingredients

• •1½ pounds tomatoes
• •2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• •1 medium onion
• •5 cloves garlic
• •¼ teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• •⅓ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• •4 pieces hero or hoagie rolls
• •¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• •2 pounds eggplants
• •½ pound provolone or fresh mozzarella
• •1 cup basil leaves
• •chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. 1.

   Purée tomatoes in a blender until very smooth. Heat oil in a 3-to 4-quart heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sauté onion and garlic with red pepper flakes until golden, about 4 minutes. Add tomato purée, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.

   40 min

2. 2.

   Prepare grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas); see Grilling Procedure .

   10 min

3. 3.

   Brush cut side of rolls with 1 tablespoon oil total.

   2 min

4. 4.

   Cut eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Brush both sides of slices with remaining 3 tablespoons oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.

   5 min

5. 5.

   Oil grill rack, then grill eggplant (covered only if using a gas grill), loosening with a metal spatula and turning occasionally to avoid overbrowning, until very tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Top eggplant (still on grill) evenly with half of sliced cheese, then grill, covered, until cheese begins to melt, about 30 seconds. Transfer eggplant with spatula to a large tray.

   8 min

6. 6.

   Grill rolls (cut side only) until grill marks appear, about 1 minute, and transfer to tray.

   1 min

7. 7.

   Transfer grilled rolls to 4 plates and spoon about 3 tablespoons tomato sauce onto each bottom piece. Top with eggplant, making 2 layers. Add remaining sauce, then top with basil and remaining cheese and close sandwiches.

   5 min