Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Lemonherb Dressing
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to nail that authentic Mediterranean flavour at home? Get ready, because this Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe is about to become your new summer staple.
It's quick, easy, and packs a flavour punch that'll have you dreaming of sunny Greek islands. Honestly, I've made this Eggplant Grilled so many times, it's practically second nature.
A Taste of the Mediterranean on Your Grill
This Eggplant Recipe takes inspiration from the classic Mediterranean diet. Think fresh herbs, lemon, and smoky Eggplant On The Grill .
It’s a super easy recipe to try. Perfect for when you want something tasty. It’s also a bit healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Easy Grilled Eggplant Recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, and even a beginner cook can pull it off.
Why This Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe is a Winner
One of the best things about this recipe is that Eggplant Grilled is loaded with fibre. It's perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even a vegetarian main course.
What makes this Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant special is the lemon herb dressing. The dressing adds a refreshing zesty kick that makes the eggplant sing.
I use the best Grilled Eggplant Marinade .
Right, let's dive into the bits and bobs you'll need for my Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant masterpiece. It's all dead simple, honestly.
Even I managed it after a dodgy online shopping spree, so you're golden! This Eggplant Recipe is the perfect way to prepare this vegetable.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Eggplant On Grill
- Eggplant: 2 medium ones (about 1 pound/450g ). Look for firm, shiny ones. Avoid any that feel soft or have bruises. Slice them into ½-inch (1.25cm) thick rounds. We don't want them paper thin, or they'll fall apart on the Eggplant On The Grill .
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . Go for extra virgin; it makes all the difference.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best. The ones in jars... well, you know.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.
Seasoning Notes: Grilled Eggplant Marinade
The oregano and thyme are a classic combo, trust me. It just screams Mediterranean. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the grilled eggplant marinade adds a nice kick.
Don't have oregano and thyme? Italian mixed herbs work a treat.
Equipment Needed: Easy Eggplant Grilled
- Grill: Gas or charcoal, whatever floats your boat. Or, Eggplant On The Grill using a grill pan if the weather's rubbish, innit?.
- Basting Brush: To slather on that lovely marinade.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For the marinade, obviously.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping the grilled eggplant vegetarian slices without making a mess.
Honestly, that's it! Nothing fancy, just the basics. This Easy Grilled Eggplant Recipe is all about simplicity. It makes the best grilled eggplant experience.
Right then, let's get cracking on this grilled eggplant extravaganza! We're aiming for a dish even Mary Berry would approve of simple, flavourful, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant : Simple Prep!
Honestly, getting organised is half the battle. This Eggplant Recipe starts with some simple prep to make sure everything runs smoothly.
First, you need to slice 2 medium eggplants into roughly ½-inch thick rounds. It's important to get them all about the same thickness.
I did it once with uneven sizes and some were charred while others were still raw. Not ideal, lol!
Next is the essential mise en place . Grab ¼ cup of olive oil , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 teaspoon of dried oregano , ½ teaspoon dried thyme and your salt and pepper.
This marinade is the base of our flavour. You can use a grill or a grill pan. If you're using a gas or charcoal grill, give it a good clean.
Make sure you have some tongs handy for flipping the eggplant.
Time To Grill that Eggplant On Grill
Ready to transform those eggplant slices into something amazing? You will love this Easy grilled eggplant recipe ! Here is what you need to do!
- Salt the eggplant . Place on paper towels. This pulls out moisture and stops them going soggy. Leave for 10- 15 minutes .
- Whisk the marinade . Combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush eggplant . Generously coat both sides with marinade.
- Preheat grill . Medium high heat is perfect. You want nice grill marks.
- Grill eggplant . Grill 4- 5 minutes per side, until tender. Look for those grill marks!
- Assemble . Serve hot with your favourite sides!
Grilled Eggplant Pro Tips
Want to elevate your Eggplant on the Grill game? Get yourself a bottle of a good Grilled eggplant marinade . One thing I learned the hard way? Don't overcrowd the grill.
The Best grilled eggplant needs space! Cooking in batches keeps the heat up and stops them from steaming instead of grilling.
Also, always preheat your grill. Waiting for the grill to be fully heated gives you those perfect grill marks. If you are looking for How to grill eggplant slices then you need to know how to marinate and grill them!
Oh, and a cheeky tip? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end brightens everything up! Enjoy your Grilled eggplant vegetarian recipe!
Recipe Notes for Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe
Right, so you've got the basics down for this Easy Grilled Eggplant Recipe . Now, let's talk about some insider tips and tricks.
Because honestly, a Eggplant on Grill can be tricky if you're not careful.
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation is key, innit? For a fancy touch, arrange your Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant on a platter, slightly overlapping. A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs makes it look like you've been slaving away for hours.
For sides, couscous is lush. A crisp white wine or even some iced tea washes it all down nicely.
Storing Like a Champ
Honestly, Eggplant Recipe leftovers are great the next day. Once cooled, pop your Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezing grilled eggplant? It's doable, but texture changes may occur. If reheating, I suggest a quick pan-fry for best results.
Mix it Up, Buttercup
Fancy a bit of a twist? If you're catering for vegans, just double check the olive oil. For a Grilled Eggplant Vegetarian option, ensure it's all plant based.
Got no fresh herbs knocking about? Dried ones work too. Honestly, use about half the amount. I often add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet kick.
The Skinny on Nutrients
Alright, let's be real. It's not all about taste. Eggplant on the Grill is pretty good for you! It's low-cal, packed with fibre, and has some antioxidants.
It is a healthy way of getting your veggies in. Each serving is around 150 calories . It's not a meal heavy in protein, but it is definitely a best grilled eggplant recipe to have in your diet.
So, there you have it! A few extra bits to get you going for this recipe. Now get out there and How to grill eggplant slices like a chef!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to salt the eggplant before grilling it for this Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe?
Salting the eggplant is a crucial step, a bit like giving it a mini spa treatment! It helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the eggplant from becoming soggy on the grill. Think of it as insurance against a bland, watery dish. Nobody wants that, do they?
Can I grill these eggplant slices indoors if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a heavy bottomed frying pan will work a treat. Just make sure it gets nice and hot before you add the eggplant slices. You might not get quite the same smoky flavour, but you'll still achieve those lovely grill marks and tender texture.
How long will leftover grilled eggplant keep, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover grilled eggplant slices are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for 2-3 days. It's delicious cold in salads or sandwiches, or you can gently reheat it in a pan. Just be aware that it might lose a little of its lovely grilled texture upon reheating.
I'm trying to watch my weight is this Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Lemon Herb Dressing recipe healthy?
Yes, this Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe can definitely be part of a healthy diet! Eggplant is low in calories and a good source of fiber. Plus, the olive oil and herbs provide healthy fats and lots of flavour. Just be mindful of the amount of olive oil you use and adjust the salt to your liking.
What can I add to give my Grilled Eggplant Slices a spicy kick?
Fancy a bit of zing? You've got a few options! A pinch of red pepper flakes in either the marinade or the lemon herb dressing will do the trick. Or, for a different kind of heat, try adding a finely chopped chili to the marinade. Get creative and tailor it to your taste!
Can I use different herbs in the lemon herb dressing for this recipe?
Definitely! While parsley and mint offer a classic Mediterranean flavour, feel free to experiment. Fresh basil, dill, or even a touch of rosemary would all work wonderfully. Using what you have growing in the garden is a great way to make the recipe your own. Think "Grow Your Own", like Monty Don would!
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant With Lemonherb Dr
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
