Since I made this dish, it has been elevated from a regular Po-Boy to a gourmet Po-Boy. Have a seat cousin, let me share the story.  This sandwich is so goooooo you won’t miss the traditional po-boys.

Here’s the funny story, I had fed the kids dinner, we had leftovers that evening, so there was nothing left after that meal. Had some kin folks stop by.  It’s a southern tradition to feed your guest.  One of my cousins asked what was I going to cook, and he specifically requested a sandwich. I looked in the frig, and I had a large eggplant and a little prosciutto.  I pulled out the eggplant I’m going to fry it.The smoked tofu came along much later when I was trying to refind the recipe.

The bases of both sandwiches are the same.  Hickory smoked tofu is a lightly smoked, savory and extra firm tofu that can stand up to a fork and knife. Soak the tofu in a marinade of liquid crab boil, liquid hickory smoke, rice vinegar and fish sauce. Turn the tofu every 30-minutes keep refrigerated for at least 2 hours. The longer you marinade, the better. Light the gas grill add some hickory wood chips (that have been soaked).  Remove the tofu from the marinade, pat dry.  Spray the grill, add the tofu to the grill. Grill without direct heat for approximately 1-hour. Remove from grill and allow to rest.

Wash and slice the eggplant.  Make an egg wash.  Make up some seasoned flour (salt, pepper, granulated garlic, cumin, paprika). Run the sliced eggplant in the egg wash Shake off excess. Run through the seasoned flour.  Fry until crispy and golden brown.  Assemble sandwich: Split French rolls lengthwise, scoop out bread on one side.  Lightly spread olive oil on bread and toast. Fill one side with the sliced fried eggplant, smoked tofu slices, tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, basil leaves, lettuce, red onions and top with over easy eggs.  The second sandwich is the same with the following exception; there is no tofu, instead, add prosciutto and the eggs are boiled.

What kind of sandwich are you going to make? Let’s share recipes. Looking forward to hearing from you. I am always o