Herb-Marinated Grilled Eggplant Slices
Discover the delightful flavors of Herb-Marinated Grilled Eggplant Slices, a perfect addition to your meal or a standalone dish. This easy-to-follow recipe enhances the rich, earthy taste of eggplant with a symphony of aromatic herbs and spices. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the eggplant while adding a smoky char that elevates its flavor. Ideal for barbecues, salads, or as a flavorful side dish, this dish is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Share it with friends and family to enjoy the vibrant taste of summer in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 large (peeled and cut into 1/4 inch circles)
Canola oil or Olive oil
1/4 cup (use as the base of the marinade)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
Basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried or fresh)
Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried or fresh)
Thyme
3/4 teaspoon (dried or fresh)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola or olive oil with minced garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Add the peeled and sliced eggplant to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated in the herb mixture. Allow the eggplant to marinate for approximately 3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Preheat your grill or prepare hot coals. Once ready, place the marinated eggplant slices directly over the heat.
4
Grill the eggplant for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the slices are tender and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should be soft but not mushy.
5
Remove the grilled eggplant from the grill and serve immediately, drizzled with any leftover marinade if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Marinated Grilled Eggplant Slices?
Herb-Marinated Grilled Eggplant Slices are a flavorful side dish or main made by coating eggplant rounds in a savory herb marinade and grilling them until tender and smoky.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this recipe?
Peel the eggplant and cut it into circles approximately 1/4 inch thick before marinating.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of canola or olive oil, minced garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
How long should the eggplant marinate?
The eggplant slices should marinate for approximately 3 minutes to absorb the herb flavors.
How long do you grill the eggplant slices?
Grill the slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use either dried or fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for this recipe.
What type of oil is best for grilling eggplant?
Canola oil or olive oil are both excellent choices for the marinade base.
How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking the slices; they should be soft but still hold their shape.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook these on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, if an outdoor grill is unavailable, a preheated stovetop grill pan works well.
What can I serve with grilled eggplant?
It pairs well with salads, barbecued meats, or as part of a Mediterranean-style platter.
Do I need to salt the eggplant to remove bitterness?
This recipe does not require pre-salting, as the marinade and grilling process enhance the natural sweetness.
What does paprika add to the recipe?
Paprika adds a subtle earthiness and contributes to the beautiful color of the grilled slices.
Is this a healthy side dish?
Yes, eggplant is low in calories and the recipe uses heart-healthy oils and antioxidant-rich herbs.
How do I know when the grill is ready?
The grill is ready when it is preheated to a medium-high heat or the coals are hot.
Can I use different herbs?
While this recipe calls for basil, oregano, and thyme, you can experiment with rosemary or parsley.
What kind of eggplant should I use?
A large Italian or Globe eggplant works best for creating even slices.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, grilled eggplant is delicious both hot and at room temperature in salads.
Should I use fresh garlic?
Minced fresh garlic is recommended for the best aromatic flavor in the marinade.
How thick should the eggplant circles be?
The circles should be cut to a thickness of 1/4 inch for even cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely, you can easily double the marinade and use two large eggplants for larger gatherings.
Is it necessary to peel the eggplant?
The recipe suggests peeling the eggplant, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer more texture.
Can I add lemon juice to the marinade?
Yes, a splash of lemon juice can add a bright acidity to the herb mixture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat the grilled eggplant?
Yes, you can reheat them briefly in a pan or microwave, though they are also great cold.
What makes the eggplant taste smoky?
The direct contact with the grill grates and high heat creates the smoky char.
Does this recipe fit a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, with its use of olive oil, herbs, and vegetables, it is a perfect Mediterranean diet dish.
What is the role of canola oil in this recipe?
Canola oil acts as a high-smoke-point carrier for the herbs, preventing the eggplant from sticking to the grill.
Can I use this eggplant in a sandwich?
Yes, these grilled slices are excellent in paninis, wraps, or vegetable sandwiches.