Eggplant Ham and Cheese “Sandwiches”

Frying in olive oil in a plush batter of flour and egg is one of the most basic and popular ways to prepare vegetables in Spain. At tapas bars in the Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja, battered veggies are often fancied up with a stuffing of ham, cheese, shrimp, or béchamel sauce. Oozing cheese, these eggplant “sandwiches” are positively luscious. They are great as a tapa, a sit-down first course, or for brunch. Gruyère would be the first choice in Spain, but you can use an easy-melting