Eggplant Caprese Salad With Crispy Garlic & Aged Balsamic

Eggplant Caprese Salad With Crispy Garlic & Aged Balsamic

Welcome back to our blog, where today we’re diving into a deliciously fresh take on a classic Italian dish. Our Eggplant Caprese Salad marries the lush textures of eggplant with the classic Caprese elements of mozzarella, tomato, and basil, topped off with crispy garlic and a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar. This dish not only dazzles as a side but can also stand proudly as a light main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant (aubergine), sliced into 0.5-cm thick disks
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more for seasoning
• 5-6 tablespoons olive oil or macadamia oil, more if needed
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, sliced)
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, soft (buffalo mozzarella is preferred), sliced
• 10 medium basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
• Extra pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:
   • Lay the eggplant slices on a chopping board or plate. Sprinkle with sea salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture, which helps in reducing the oil absorbed during cooking. Afterward, pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Cook the Eggplant:
   • Heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add eggplant slices and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until grill marks appear. As eggplants tend to absorb oil, add more as needed during cooking.
3. Crisp the Garlic:
   • In the same pan, after removing the eggplant, add a bit more oil and the garlic slices. Cook for about a minute on each side until golden and crispy.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • On a large serving plate, layer the cooked eggplant slices. Top each slice with mozzarella, tomato halves, basil leaves, and crispy garlic. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and season with extra sea salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Info:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 300 per serving
• Servings: 4

This Eggplant Caprese Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be elevated to create a dish full of depth and flavor. The crispy garlic adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft textures of the eggplant and mozzarella, while the aged balsamic lends a touch of gourmet flair. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply making a meal for yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that this vibrant salad offers!

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