How to Cook Italian-Style Grilled Eggplant with Olive Oil
Italian-style grilled eggplant is a delightful dish that brings out the unique flavors of this versatile vegetable. With its smoky char and tender texture, grilled eggplant can serve as a side dish, a sandwich filling, or even the star of a vegetarian meal. Follow these steps to cook Italian-style grilled eggplant with olive oil.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Preparing the Eggplant
Start by preparing the eggplants. Wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Slice each eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness allows the eggplant to cook evenly while retaining its structure.
Once sliced, sprinkle the eggplant rounds with salt. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and reduce any bitterness in the eggplant. Let the slices sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Marinating the Eggplant
In a mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This flavorful marinade will infuse the eggplant with rich Italian flavors.
Coat each eggplant slice with the marinade, ensuring that both sides are well covered. Allow the eggplant to marinate for at least 15 minutes; for the best results, let it sit for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
Grilling the Eggplant
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works well too. Once heated, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated eggplant slices on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they have nice grill marks and are fork-tender. Avoid overcrowding the grill; you may need to do this in batches to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Once grilled, remove the eggplant from the grill and place it on a serving platter. For added flavor, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
Italian-style grilled eggplant can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a fresh salad, serve it on a toasted Italian roll as a sandwich, or incorporate it into your favorite pasta dishes for a hearty, flavorful addition.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the grilled eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches.
This Italian-style grilled eggplant recipe showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of good ingredients. Enjoy this vibrant dish that celebrates Mediterranean flavors, and make it a staple in your cooking repertoire!