Herb-Infused Grilled Balsamic Eggplant
This Herb-Infused Grilled Balsamic Eggplant is a delicious and visually stunning dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar with fresh herbs. The eggplant is expertly sliced to create a unique shape that allows it to grill beautifully on three sides without falling through the grates. Marinated to perfection, this dish can be enjoyed straight off the grill or cubed and tossed into a hearty pasta salad. Top it off with some grated cheese while still hot for an extra touch of flavor. This versatile recipe is perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings, offering a healthy, vegetarian option that’s sure to please.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (peeled and sliced lengthwise, then halved)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable bag, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, sugar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
2
Take the eggplant that has been peeled and sliced lengthwise (each half sliced again) and place it into the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the eggplant. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or for a more intense flavor, refrigerate overnight.
3
Preheat your grill on high heat. Lightly grease the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4
Once the grill is hot, remove the eggplant from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the eggplant wedges on the grill, lowering the heat to medium.
5
Grill the eggplant, turning occasionally, until you achieve a nice char on all three sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. For a more tender result, you can move the eggplant to indirect heat and grill for an additional 10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
6
Once grilled, transfer the eggplant to a serving platter and drizzle with the reserved marinade while it's still hot. Serve immediately or allow to cool slightly before using in salads.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Grilled Balsamic Eggplant?
It is a vegetarian dish where eggplant is sliced lengthwise, marinated in a balsamic and herb mixture, and grilled to achieve a charred, savory flavor.
How should I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
The eggplant should be peeled and sliced lengthwise, then each half should be sliced again to create wedges that can be grilled on three sides.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, sugar, black pepper, and salt.
How long should the eggplant marinate?
You should marinate the eggplant for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
Can I marinate the eggplant overnight?
Yes, refrigerating the eggplant in the marinade overnight will result in a more intense and deeply infused flavor.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for balsamic vinegar to provide a rich, tangy sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Herb-Infused Grilled Balsamic Eggplant is a healthy vegetarian option perfect for summer barbecues.
What fresh herb is used in the marinade?
Freshly chopped basil is used to provide a bright, aromatic herb profile.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly grease the grill grates with cooking oil before placing the eggplant on the heat.
At what temperature should I preheat the grill?
You should start by preheating the grill on high heat, then lower it to medium once the eggplant is placed on the grates.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant wedges?
It takes approximately 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a nice char on all three sides of the eggplant wedges.
What is the benefit of the specific eggplant cut used here?
Slicing the eggplant into wedges allows it to be grilled on three sides for even cooking and prevents it from falling through the grill grates.
What should I do with the remaining marinade after grilling?
The reserved marinade should be drizzled over the eggplant while it is still hot for extra flavor.
Can I add cheese to this eggplant dish?
Yes, you can top the grilled eggplant with grated cheese while it is still hot for an extra touch of flavor.
How can I serve the grilled balsamic eggplant?
It can be served immediately as a side dish, or cooled and cubed to be tossed into a hearty pasta salad.
What should I do if the eggplant is not tender enough after charring?
You can move the eggplant to indirect heat and grill for an additional 10 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Is the eggplant peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify using eggplant that has been peeled.
What dried herbs are included in the infusion?
The recipe uses dried oregano and dried parsley along with the fresh basil.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 2 minced garlic cloves in the marinade.
Is there sugar in the marinade?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is added to the marinade to help balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
What kind of oil is recommended for the marinade?
Olive oil is used in the marinade to provide a rich base for the herbs and vinegar.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, vegetarian option that focuses on fresh vegetables and herbs.
Can this recipe be prepared for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for summer barbecues and gatherings.
What is the best way to mix the marinade?
Combine all ingredients in a large resealable bag, seal it, and shake well to ensure they are evenly mixed.
How many sides of the eggplant wedge are grilled?
The eggplant is expertly sliced so that it can be grilled on all three sides.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be served hot or cold in salads, it is very versatile for meal planning.
What gives this dish its Mediterranean flair?
The combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, and oregano provides a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
Should I use high or medium heat for the actual cooking?
Preheat on high, but once the eggplant is on the grill, lower the heat to medium for the cooking process.
How do I ensure the marinade is well-absorbed?
After placing the eggplant in the bag, gently massage the marinade into the eggplant pieces before letting them sit.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
The finished eggplant should have a nice char on the outside and be tender on the inside.