Grilled Eggplant With Garlic Vinaigrette Recipes

GRILLED WHOLE EGGPLANT WITH HARISSA VINAIGRETTE

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 BALSAMIC VINEGAR RELISH

Steps:

• Place sliced eggplant in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle eggplant with 2 teaspoons salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to release any bitter juices. Rinse with cold water and dry on paper towels.
• Heat a grill pan to high heat. Place 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. Brush eggplant lightly with olive oil and grill for 2 minutes, pressing down occasionally with a spatula. Turn each slice, without flipping, and continue grilling for 2 more minutes to form beautiful grill marks. Flip eggplant and repeat this process on the other side. Remove grilled eggplant to a serving platter.
• Whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add tomato and mix well. Pour over the grilled eggplant.

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC-CUMIN VINAIGRETTE, FETA & HERBS

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.

GRILLED JAPANESE EGGPLANT WITH AN ASIAN VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Wash eggplants and pat dry with paper towels, set aside.
• In a small mixing bowl combine the Chinese 5-spice powder, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
• Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise, brush with olive oil and rub the mixed spices on both sides.
• Grill over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until tender.
• Arrange cabbage on serving plates and top with grilled eggplant; drizzle with the asian vinaigrette.
• Top with the fresh mint, feta, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
• Asian Vinaigrette:.
• In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients except the vegetable and sesame oils. With the blender/processor running, slowly pour in the vegetalbe oil followed by the sesame oil. Process for 10 to 15 seconds longer. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (If necessary, whisk before serving.).
• COOK'S TIP: Leftover vinaigrette makes for a tasty salad dressing or marinade for fish.