• ½ eggplant
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable oil, avocado oil, etc.)
• Fleur de sel
• 1 ciabatta baguette or 4 individual ciabatta rolls
• 1 garlic clove
• +/- 1 cup @raohomemade marinara sauce
• 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
• Basil leaves
• Arugula

Breading the Eggplant

1. Prepare the eggplant: Start by slicing the eggplant into rounds about 1 cm thick.
2. Three-step breading process: Prepare three bowls. In the first, place all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano.

• Dip each slice of eggplant: First, coat in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko-oregano mixture. This ensures a perfectly crispy texture after frying.

1. Fry the eggplant: In a large skillet, heat a layer of neutral oil (vegetable or avocado) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

• Drain and season: Once the slices are golden, remove them from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with fleur de sel to enhance the flavors.

Assembling the Sandwich

1. Grill the bread: Take the ciabatta bread (either one large loaf or individual rolls), slice it in half, and grill until golden and crispy.
2. Rub with garlic: Once grilled, cut a garlic clove in half and gently rub it over the surface of each slice of warm bread to infuse it with a subtle garlic flavor.
3. Add the marinara sauce: Spread about 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on each slice of bread, ensuring it's evenly covered for a balanced taste in every bite.
4. Layer the ingredients:
   - On one slice of bread, start by layering the crispy eggplant.
   - Add a few slices of fresh mozzarella for a creamy, melty texture.
   - Sprinkle a few fresh basil leaves for aromatic flavor.
   - Finally, add a handful of arugula for a slightly peppery and fresh note.
5. Assemble the sandwich: Close it with the other slice of bread, press lightly to bring everything together.

Enjoyment

Serve immediately while the sandwich is still warm.
Enjoy!