Grilled (or Roasted) Eggplant & Sauteed Golden Chard Sandwich with Green Garlic Aioli

Adapted from Gourmet

AIOLI INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped green garlic
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise, or other mayonnaise alternative such as vegenaise
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

SANDWICH INGREDIENTS
1 medium globe eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons olive oil
12 slices whole wheat bread, (1/2-inch-thick), lightly toasted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon green garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dry cooking sherry or white wine
2 leaves of chard, stalks removed and leaves sliced into 1-inch strips
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

AIOLI PREPARATION
Blend olive oil, garlic, and salt in processor or blender until garlic is minced. Add 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and blend well. Transfer to small bowl; whisk in remaining mayonnaise and lemon juice.

Can be made 1 day ahead – cover and chill.

SANDWICH PREPARATION
Brush eggplant with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill eggplant in batches on a rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals, turning once, until tender, about 3 minutes. If you do not have a grill, eggplant can be broiled on cookie sheets for about the same amount of time. Don’t forget to turn slices every 2 minutes so they cook evenly. Transfer cooked eggplant to a room-temperature baking sheet to cool.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced green garlic and sauté until it starts to become aromatic (2 to 3 minutes). Add the chopped chard with the cooking sherry or wine. Sauté over medium heat or until leaves turn dark green and start to wilt. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper, stir in lemon juice and allow chard to cool for at least 5 minutes.

Lightly toast the whole wheat bread and place toast on work surface. Spread with aioli. Divide chard among 6 toast slices and top with grilled or roasted eggplant, dividing equally. Top with remaining 6 toast slices, aioli side down. Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.