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Grilled Eggplant

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Pixicook editorial team

Delicious and tender grilled eggplant slices, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients for Grilled Eggplant

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Japanese Eggplants

each

Globe Eggplant

each

Olive Oil

tablespoons

Salt

to taste

How to Make Grilled Eggplant

1. Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high to ensure it's ready when you need it.

2. Prepare the eggplant

Trim off the ends of the eggplants. If using Japanese eggplants, cut them into ⅓-inch slices. If using a large globe eggplant, do the same.

3. Brush with olive oil and season

Brush each slice generously with olive oil using a pastry brush. After brushing the slices, sprinkle them evenly with salt.

4. Prepare the grill grates

Wipe down the grill grates with some oil to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the eggplant

Arrange the eggplant slices on the grill, laying them out evenly. Grill the slices for about 3 minutes on each side until they achieve a nice char and become soft to the touch.

6. Serve

Once grilled, serve the eggplant slices warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your perfectly grilled eggplant!

Variations

Asian Flair

Brush the eggplant with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey before grilling. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Mediterranean Style

Add a sprinkle of za'atar and sumac to the eggplant before grilling, and serve with a side of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, cucumber, and dill.

Middle Eastern Meze

Serve the grilled eggplant with a drizzle of tahini, pomegranate molasses, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the grilled eggplant slices for a sweet and tangy finish. This can be complemented with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture.

Italian Caponata

After grilling, chop the eggplant into cubes and toss with capers, olives, diced tomatoes, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Serve with crusty bread.

Pitfalls and tips

Marinade or Seasoning

Marinate or brush your eggplant slices with a mix of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Consider adding balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, or a touch of honey for extra flavor.

Salting

Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

Selecting the Right Eggplant

Choose eggplants that are firm, heavy for their size, and have smooth, shiny skin. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have thinner skins, which is ideal for grilling.

Grilling Technique

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure it's clean and oiled to prevent sticking and ensure grill marks.

Rinsing and Drying

After salting, rinse the eggplant slices to remove excess salt and pat them thoroughly dry. Any residual moisture will inhibit the Maillard reaction.

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