Description
Succulent Grilled Eggplant with Garlic & Herbs offers Mediterranean charm on your plate. Mediterranean flavors dance with smoky charred edges, inviting you to savor each herb-infused, perfectly grilled slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 2 eggplants
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) pepper
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped fresh oregano
Oils:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) thick rounds, then sprinkle each slice generously with kosher salt to extract excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
- Allow salted eggplant slices to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the salt to draw out water and potential harsh flavors.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly blot and remove salt and released liquid from each eggplant slice.
- Prepare a marinade by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, minced fresh garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large shallow dish.
- Carefully coat each eggplant slice in the aromatic herb-infused oil mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage on both sides.
- Heat outdoor grill or barbecue to medium temperature (375-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius).
- Place marinated eggplant slices directly on clean grill grates, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct grill marks.
- If eggplant appears dry or begins sticking, lightly brush additional olive oil to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
- Once eggplant reaches desired tenderness and develops beautiful caramelized edges, remove from grill and return to original marinade dish.
- Gently toss grilled eggplant in remaining herb and garlic mixture to reinforce flavors.
- Transfer to serving platter and garnish with any remaining herb-oil mixture for enhanced presentation and taste.
Notes
- Salt draws out moisture and reduces bitterness, making eggplant more tender and less harsh in flavor.
- Salting and wiping eggplant slices prevents soggy texture and ensures beautiful, crisp grill marks.
- Coating eggplant in herb-infused olive oil creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the vegetable’s natural taste.
- Medium heat prevents burning while allowing even cooking and developing delicious caramelization on the surface.
- Brushing additional oil during grilling prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfectly golden exterior.
- Returning grilled eggplant to the original marinade allows it to absorb extra flavor and keeps the slices moist and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg