Description
Mediterranean-inspired grilled eggplant with garlic & herbs brings Mediterranean charm to summer tables. Fresh herbs and smoky char create a delicious side dish that draws diners closer to regional culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 eggplants
- ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsps (30 milliliters / 1 fl oz) chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tsps (10 grams / 0.35 oz) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 grams / 0.09 oz) pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Salt eggplant rounds to extract moisture and reduce bitterness, letting slices rest for 15 minutes before blotting dry with paper towels.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with minced garlic, parsley, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish, creating an aromatic herb-infused mixture.
- Coating Process: Thoroughly coat each eggplant slice in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
- Grill Setup: Preheat outdoor grill to medium heat (375-400°F), preparing clean grates for even cooking.
- Grilling Technique: Place marinated eggplant directly on grill, cooking 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct char marks, brushing additional olive oil if needed to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
- Final Flavor Enhancement: Remove grilled eggplant, return to marinade dish, gently tossing to reinforce herb and garlic flavors, then transfer to serving platter and drizzle with remaining herb-oil mixture.
Notes
- Prevent Bitterness: Salt eggplant slices to draw out moisture and reduce harsh flavors, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable texture.
- Marinate Thoroughly: Completely coat eggplant in herb-infused oil for maximum flavor absorption and a rich, aromatic profile.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat (375-400°F) to achieve perfect golden-brown grill marks without burning.
- Moisture Management: Brush additional olive oil during grilling to prevent sticking and keep eggplant slices tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg