Garlic-Infused Grilled Eggplant Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of grilled eggplant topped with a zesty raw garlic sauce that perfectly complements its smoky goodness. This delightful dish pays homage to a beloved meal from the renowned Jerusalem restaurant in Toronto, where the warmth of spices meets the freshness of raw ingredients. With the aromatic crunch of garlic and a splash of lemon, it's sure to become a favored dish whether enjoyed on your own or shared among friends. Ideal for households where eggplant is a star ingredient, this recipe can be easily adjusted for individual cravings.
N/A
Servings
95
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (large, sliced into quarter-inch rounds)
olive oil
as needed ((extra-virgin preferred, for brushing and drizzling))
garlic cloves
4 (peeled and minced fine)
fresh lemon juice
2 (tablespoons)
extra virgin olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the eggplant thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut off the stem, leaving the peel intact.
2
Slice the eggplant into quarter-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
3
Generously brush both sides of each eggplant slice with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring a rich flavor and preventing sticking.
4
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the eggplant slices in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and grill them until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5
Once cooked, arrange the eggplant slices in an attractive manner on a serving platter, creating a visually appealing presentation.
6
In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and salt. Stir well to create a flavorful dressing.
7
Drizzle the garlic mixture evenly over the warm eggplant slices, allowing the flavors to soak in.
8
Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm or at room temperature to enjoy its full flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
3g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Grilled Eggplant Delight?
It is a dish featuring grilled eggplant rounds topped with a zesty sauce made of raw garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
How many calories are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 95 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What type of eggplant should I use?
The recipe calls for one large eggplant, typically a globe or Italian eggplant, sliced into rounds.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced into quarter-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
Should I peel the eggplant before grilling?
No, you should leave the peel intact after washing and removing the stem.
What is the best way to prevent eggplant from sticking to the pan?
Generously brush both sides of each slice with extra virgin olive oil and use a preheated nonstick skillet.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant?
Grill the slices for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What are the ingredients for the garlic sauce?
The sauce consists of 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is highly recommended for its color and burst of freshness.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It can be served immediately while warm or at room temperature.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The dish contains 7.5g of fat, primarily from the heart-healthy olive oil.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 3g of fiber per serving.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
It is inspired by a meal from the renowned Jerusalem restaurant in Toronto.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe can be easily adjusted for individual cravings and garlic tolerance.
How much protein is in the Garlic-Infused Grilled Eggplant Delight?
The recipe provides 1.5g of protein per serving.
Do I need to preheat the skillet?
Yes, preheat the nonstick skillet over medium-high heat before adding the eggplant slices.
Is extra virgin olive oil necessary?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced fine.
Can I grill the eggplant in batches?
Yes, you should work in batches if necessary to ensure the slices stay in a single layer.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
There is 1.5g of sugar per serving.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Should I salt the eggplant before cooking?
The salt is included in the garlic dressing which is drizzled over the eggplant after it is grilled.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
While it can be enjoyed on its own, it is categorized as a healthy Mediterranean side dish.
What makes this dish Mediterranean?
The use of eggplant, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley are staples of Mediterranean cuisine.
How much salt is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use a different type of parsley?
Flat-leaf parsley is specified, but curly parsley can be used if that is what you have available.
How do I present the dish?
Arrange the cooked slices attractively on a serving platter before drizzling the sauce and sprinkling parsley.
Is the garlic in the sauce cooked?
No, the recipe uses raw minced garlic to create a zesty and aromatic flavor profile.