As the weather warms up and we start firing up our grills, it’s the perfect time to explore dishes that bring out the best in seasonal produce. Eggplant, with its creamy texture and versatile flavor, is a summer favorite. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs that not only highlights this wonderful vegetable but also incorporates vibrant flavors and aromas that are sure to delight your palate.
Ingredients
This recipe serves up simplicity with a touch of elegance, using fresh ingredients that let the natural flavors shine:
- 2 eggplants
- 2 tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (for the herb mixture)
Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
Begin by cutting the eggplants into 1/4 inch thick slices. Sprinkle 2 tsp of salt over the slices to coat them generously. Allow them to rest for about 15 minutes. This process helps draw out moisture and reduces bitterness, making the eggplant more flavorful and tender. After the resting period, wipe off the salt and moisture with a paper towel.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large dish, mix the extra virgin olive oil with crushed garlic, freshly chopped parsley, oregano, pepper, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. This marinade will infuse the eggplant with rich flavors and aromas.
3. Grill the Eggplant:
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Dip each eggplant slice into the herb and oil mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Grill the slices for about 6 minutes on each side. The goal is to achieve a golden color with those beautiful grill marks. If the slices start to dry out or stick to the grill, brush them with additional olive oil.
4. Finishing Touches:
Once grilled to perfection, return the eggplant slices to the marinade. Flip them to coat both sides thoroughly. This step enhances the flavor by allowing the eggplant to soak up more of the garlic and herb mixture.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the beautifully grilled eggplant slices to a serving platter. Spoon any leftover herbs and garlic over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
This Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs recipe is not only straightforward but also a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful side dish or main course during the summer. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the robust flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian feast. The simplicity and elegance of this dish are sure to impress your guests and make your next barbecue a hit!
Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Description
Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs is a simple yet profoundly flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cooking to your table. This recipe pairs the robust textures of charred eggplant with the aromatic freshness of garlic, parsley, and oregano, creating a harmony of flavors that speaks to the soul of summertime grilling.
Ingredients
2 eggplants
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Cut the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick slices and generously salt each slice. Let them rest for about 15 minutes so that the salt can draw out the moisture and bitterness. Wipe each slice with a paper towel to remove the salt and moisture.
Preheat the barbecue to medium heat.
In a large dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place each of the eggplant slices in the dish, flipping them to ensure both sides are covered in oil.
Grill for approximately 6 minutes per side until golden in color with grill marks. If the eggplant slices become dry and stick to the grill, brush them with more oil.
Once the eggplant is tender and cooked, remove from the grill and return it back to the oil, herb, and garlic mixture in the pan. Flip once so that both sides are coated before transferring to a serving platter. Spoon any of the excess herbs & garlic overtop before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes