Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta with Garlic and Parsley
This Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer inspired by Mario Batali's 'Molto Italiano'. Featuring smoky, grilled eggplant combined with caramelized red onions and aromatic garlic, this dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The crispy baguette serves as the perfect base, topped with a vibrant parsley mixture that adds freshness and color. Ideal for gatherings, this bruschetta is not just easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Indulge in the rich flavors and enjoy the beautiful presentation of this classic dish!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons (none)
red onion
1 medium (halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips)
garlic cloves
4 (thinly sliced)
Italian eggplants
4 (halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4 inch thick halfmoons)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
baguette
1 (sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
Italian parsley
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2
Add the sliced red onion and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
3
Incorporate the thinly sliced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4
Add the eggplant half-moons to the pan, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Cook until the eggplant is soft and beautifully golden brown, approximately 7 minutes more.
5
Remove the pan from heat and season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
6
While the eggplant mixture cools, preheat your grill or broiler.
7
Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and toast them on the grill or under the broiler until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
8
Once the eggplant mixture has cooled, stir in the finely chopped Italian parsley.
9
To serve, generously spoon the eggplant mixture onto each toasted baguette slice, arranging them on a serving platter.
10
Enjoy the bruschetta immediately while the bread is still warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Eggplant Bruschetta?
It is a Mediterranean-style appetizer featuring smoky grilled eggplant, caramelized red onions, and garlic served on toasted baguette slices.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary work of Mario Batali in 'Molto Italiano'.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is portioned to provide 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What kind of oil is recommended for cooking the eggplant?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.
How should I prepare the red onion for this dish?
The red onion should be halved lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch wide strips.
How long should I cook the red onions?
Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
When is the garlic added to the mixture?
The thinly sliced garlic is added after the onions have softened and cooked for one additional minute.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
What variety of eggplant is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 Italian eggplants.
How should the eggplant be sliced?
Halve them lengthwise and then cut them into 1/4 inch thick half-moons.
How long does it take to cook the eggplant?
The eggplant should be cooked for approximately 7 minutes until soft and golden brown.
How do I know when the eggplant is done?
It is ready when it becomes soft and takes on a beautiful golden brown color.
How do I season the eggplant mixture?
Season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper after removing the pan from the heat.
What type of bread is used for the bruschetta base?
A standard baguette is used, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How do I toast the baguette slices?
You can toast them on a grill or under a broiler until they are golden brown and crispy.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped Italian parsley.
When should the parsley be added to the topping?
Stir the parsley into the eggplant mixture once it has been removed from the heat and cooled slightly.
Should this bruschetta be served hot or cold?
It is best enjoyed immediately while the toasted bread is still warm.
Is this dish considered a snack or an appetizer?
It is versatile and can be served as either an appetizer, a snack, or party food.
Can I use a broiler if I don't have a grill?
Yes, a broiler works perfectly for toasting the baguette slices to a golden brown.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including the seasonings and oil.
Does the recipe contain any dairy products?
No, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The flavor profile is smoky, savory, and fresh with aromatic garlic and caramelized onion notes.
Can I use regular onions instead of red onions?
While red onions offer a specific sweetness, you can substitute others, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Only cook the garlic for one minute after the onions are done and stir it constantly until fragrant.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic should be thinly sliced rather than minced to provide the best texture.
Is this a Mediterranean dish?
Yes, it is a classic Mediterranean-inspired Italian appetizer.
How should the eggplant be arranged on the bread?
Generously spoon the mixture onto each toasted slice and arrange them on a serving platter.
Is it important to cool the eggplant before adding parsley?
Yes, allowing the mixture to cool slightly helps preserve the fresh color and flavor of the Italian parsley.