Smoky grilled eggplant is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or incorporated into other recipes. Here’s a simple recipe for smoky grilled eggplant:
Ingredients:
- Two large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Two tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- Two tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
Instructions:
Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce or tamari, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Eggplant:
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
Grill the Eggplant:
Place the marinated eggplant slices on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 3-5 minutes or until they have nice grill marks and are tender on the inside.
Baste with Marinade:
While grilling, baste the eggplant slices with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavor.
Check for Doneness:
Check the eggplant for doneness by inserting a fork or knife. It should go through easily when the eggplant is tender.
Remove from Grill:
Once the eggplant is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the grilled eggplant with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also drizzle with a bit of extra balsamic vinegar if desired.
Enjoy:
Serve the smoky grilled eggplant as a side dish, on top of salads, in sandwiches, or as a tasty addition to pasta dishes.
This smoky grilled eggplant is rich in flavor and has a wonderful texture. It’s a great option for a summer barbecue or a quick and satisfying meal.