Eggplant Parm Heroes - Delicious and Filling!

Eggplant parmesan is one of my favorite Italian dishes. There's something exotic and enticing about the texture of the eggplant combined with crunchy batter, all wrapped in a cocoon of marinara sauce. Unfortunately, this dish is a time consuming high calorie treat. This sandwich has all of the delicious flavor and texture of the Eggplant Parm with way less calories!!!

Eggplant Parm Heroes
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant (1 lb - Chinese eggplant works great for smaller sandwiches)
1 c. bottled marinara sauce + some extra for topping
1 c. seasoned croutons - crushed
1/3 c. shredded parmesan cheese
4 whole wheat hero or hoagie buns

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover a baking sheet in aluminum foil and spray with non stick cooking spray.

Peel eggplant and cut into 1/4" slices.

Place marinara in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, add croutons and half the cheese. Dip eggplant in marinara and then the crouton mixture. Make sure to really press the eggplant in the croutons to get them to stick. Place eggplant on baking sheet.

Bake eggplant for 15 minutes or until the breading has browned and eggplant is tender. Remove from oven.

Use another baking sheet to toast the buns, cut in half (length wise)  for 2 minutes. While the buns are toasting, heat remaining marinara in microwave.

Place eggplant on toasted buns, top with marinara and remaining cheese.

Serves 4

Delicious!!!

This delicious sandwich comes out to about 423 calories.