Jerk-Spiced Portobello Burgers

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/food/1480

Inspired by Vegan Planet, by Robin Robertson (Harvard Common Press, 2001).
You don’t really have to make these vegetarian “burgers”--they make themselves. All you do is coat portobello mushroom caps with olive oil and a mixture of spices that you already have in your cupboard. The burgers work beautifully on the grill or in the pan, and you can serve them in burger buns or on top of rice.

What a welcome way to heat up your summer foods. The magic of these burgers is in the combination of spices: Jamaican jerk really sizzles!

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon freshly-grated nutmeg
4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1. Mix the spices in a small bowl.

2. Coat the mushroom caps with 2 tablespoons of the oil, then coat evenly with spice mixture.

3. Grill over medium-hot fire until done, about 5 minutes per side, or pan-fry in about 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, about 5 minutes per side, until done.

4. Serve on toasted burger buns, or on top of rice.

Serves 4.

Grilled Eggplant and Smoky Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled Eggplant and Smoky Cheese Sandwiches

http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/food/2890

Inspired by a recipe in Gourmet Magazine, May 2006.
These hearty sandwiches are rich with the goodness of smoky cheese melted on top of tender grilled eggplant slices. Make a rustic sauce with chopped tomatoes, parsley, and healthful olive oil, spread it on grilled bread, top it with the eggplant and cheese, and you have a meal fit for a diva--but one that would be right at home in the peasant kitchens of the Mediterranean.


INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
4 thin slices smoked Gouda or mozzarella cheese
4 3/4-inch-thick slices country-style bread from a round loaf
2 eggplants, about 1 pound each

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the tomatoes, parsley, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, vinegar, pepper, and salt.

2. Brush both sides of the bread with oil, about 1 tablespoon per slice.

3. Slice off the top and bottom of the eggplants, then cut 2 1-inch slices from the center of each, reserving the remainder for another use. Brush the cut sides of the eggplant slices with a total of about 3 tablespoons oil and lightly sprinkle with salt.

4. Grill eggplant on an oiled grill about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until very tender. Grill bread for 1 or 2 minutes, turning once, until grill marks appear. Transfer bread to a platter.

5. Top eggplant with cheese slices and grill, covered, until the cheese melts, about 1 minute. Use a spatula to transfer the eggplant to a platter.

6. Place grilled bread on 4 plates, then cover with tomato mixture. Drizzle with a little olive oil, top with eggplant, and finish with a few grinds of black pepper. Serve warm.

Serves 4.