Grilled whole eggplant is a delicious and smoky dish, and when paired with a tangy and aromatic harissa vinaigrette, it becomes an unforgettable culinary experience. This vibrant and flavorful combination is perfect for a summer cookout or a light and refreshing meal. With its smoky, slightly sweet eggplant and the spicy kick from the harissa vinaigrette, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
GRILLED WHOLE EGGPLANT WITH HARISSA VINAIGRETTE
Nestle a whole eggplant in the dying embers of a charcoal grill (or char it on the grates of your grill) and it'll soften into a deliciously smoky, spoonable mush. An easy harissa vinaigrette poured over the top adds sweet, spicy flavor to this summertime appetizer.
Provided by Anna Stockwell
Categories Eggplant Grill/Barbecue Lemon Juice Honey Parsley Bread Soy Free Dairy Free Peanut Free Summer Fall Dinner Appetizer
Yield 4-6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Prepare a charcoal fire in a grill. Let coals cool to medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining).
- Grill eggplant directly on coals, turning occasionally, until skin is blackened and flesh has collapsed, 15-20 minutes. (Alternatively, grill on the grate of a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 20-25 minutes.) Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and let cool slightly.
- Carefully remove skin from eggplant, leaving stem intact. Season on all sides with 1/2 tsp. salt. Let sit on rack until excess water is drained, 20-30 minutes.
- Whisk oil, lemon juice, harissa, honey, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl to combine.
- Using a paring knife, make several slits down length of eggplant on each side. Transfer to a plate and pour dressing over. Top with parsley and serve with bread alongside.
- Do Ahead: Eggplant (without parsley) can be dressed 8 hours ahead. Let sit at room temperature up to 4 hours. Chill, if waiting longer, and let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE
Provided by Curtis Stone
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Lay the eggplant slices in a single layer on 2 baking sheets and sprinkle both sides with salt. Set aside about 30 minutes, or until moisture beads on top of the eggplant.
- Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Rinse the eggplant to remove the excess salt and pat dry. Brush the eggplant slices with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, coating both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Working in batches, grill the eggplant about 5 minutes per side, or until char marks form and the eggplant is very tender. Transfer to a platter as you finish each batch.
- Meanwhile, grate the zest of the lemon into a small bowl. Halve the lemon and squeeze 2 tablespoons of juice into the bowl. Whisk in the vinegar, shallots, chopped mint and the remaining 5 tablespoons oil. Season the vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the vinaigrette over the grilled eggplant and sprinkle with the mint leaves. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin slices of feta cheese over the eggplant. Sprinkle with pepper and serve.
GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC-CUMIN VINAIGRETTE, FETA & HERBS
Make and share this Grilled Eggplant With Garlic-Cumin Vinaigrette, Feta & Herbs recipe from Food.com.
Provided by leroca2
Categories Vegetable
Time 20m
Yield 1 salad, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Make the vinaigrette:.
- With a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and a pinch of salt to a paste.
- Combine the garlic paste and 1 tbs of the lemon juice in a bowl and let sit for 10 minute.
- Combine the shallot with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt in another small bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the olive oil, cumin, and cayenne into the garlic mixture. Season to taste with salt or cayenne, if necessary.
- Grill the eggplant:.
- Prepare a medium-high charcoal or gas grill fire.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill (covered on a gas grill; uncovered on a charcoal grill), 3 to 4 minutes.
- Turn the eggplant and grill until tender and well marked on the second sides, 3 to 4 minutes more.The interior should be grayish and soft rather than white and hard.
- Top grilled eggplant slices with the shallots, feta, and herbs. Whisk the vinaigrette and drizzle it on top. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.1, Fat 22.6, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 8.3, Sodium 109.4, Carbohydrate 8.4, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 3.2, Protein 2.8
Tips:
- Choose small to medium-sized eggplants that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin.
- Prick the eggplants all over with a fork to help them cook evenly.
- Brush the eggplants with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Grill the eggplants over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Let the eggplants cool slightly before cutting them open.
- Serve the eggplants with a variety of toppings, such as harissa vinaigrette, yogurt, or tahini sauce.
Conclusion:
Grilled whole eggplant is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy this Mediterranean vegetable. With its smoky flavor and tender texture, grilled eggplant is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to prepare eggplant, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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