Serves 10

Tim Maslow, chef and co-owner of Strip T’s in Watertown, says to use firm, narrow, or elongated eggplant for this recipe. “Braising the vegetable,” says the chef, “takes ordinary roasted eggplant up a few notches.” The dish is a riff on the popular Vietnamese sandwich and includes pan-fried tofu, homemade pickled vegetables, and cilantro.