Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Antipasto
Savor the taste of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Grilled Eggplant Antipasto! This easy-to-make dish is bursting with flavor and makes for a stellar addition to any gathering. The combination of perfectly grilled eggplant, fragrant herbs, and fresh garlic creates a delectable treat that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as part of a larger antipasto platter. Prepare it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld, ensuring it's a delightful hit at your next Italian-themed lunch party. Serve it at room temperature for the best experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 large (peeled and cut into 3/4 inch dice (3 1/2 to 4 pounds))
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons (for draining the eggplant)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (divided for broiling and marinating)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the eggplant. Place the diced eggplants in a colander and sprinkle them generously with coarse salt. Place a plate weighted down with two 1-pound cans on top of the eggplant to press it down, allowing it to drain for approximately 1 hour. After an hour, pat the eggplant cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
Preheat your broiler to high. Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread half of the eggplant evenly on the baking sheet and toss to coat them lightly with oil. Broil the eggplant about 3 inches from the heat source for 2 minutes.
3
Carefully turn the eggplant cubes and continue broiling for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until they begin to turn a lovely golden brown. Remove the broiled eggplant to a large serving platter. Repeat this process with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining eggplant.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled eggplant with minced garlic, chopped mint, basil, parsley, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the eggplant is fully coated with the herbs and garlic. Pour in the remaining olive oil and toss again to distribute evenly.
5
For marinating, you can either cover the mixture in a bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the eggplant mixture to a large Ziploc bag for convenient storage in the refrigerator. Let the eggplant marinate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours, for maximum flavor development.
6
Before serving, take the marinated eggplant out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. Enjoy it as an antipasto or as a flavorful side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Antipasto?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring perfectly grilled eggplant, fresh herbs, and garlic, typically served as an appetizer or part of an antipasto platter.
What size should the eggplant be cut into?
The eggplants should be peeled and cut into 3/4 inch dice.
Why do I need to sprinkle salt on the eggplant before cooking?
Sprinkling coarse salt on the eggplant helps to drain excess moisture and improve the texture before broiling.
How long should the eggplant drain in the colander?
The eggplant should drain for approximately 1 hour.
How should I weight down the eggplant while it drains?
Place a plate on top of the eggplant in the colander and weight it down with two 1-pound cans.
What is the first step after the eggplant has finished draining?
After one hour, pat the eggplant cubes dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture.
What oven setting is used for the eggplant?
Preheat your broiler to high to cook the eggplant.
How much olive oil is used to prepare the baking sheet?
Brush the baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before spreading the eggplant.
How far should the eggplant be from the heat source?
Place the baking sheet about 3 inches from the broiler heat source.
How long does the eggplant broil on each side?
Broil the eggplant for 2 minutes on the first side, then turn the cubes and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes.
How do I know when the eggplant is finished broiling?
The eggplant is done when the cubes begin to turn a lovely golden brown.
What herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh mint, basil, and parsley, all finely chopped.
How much garlic is needed for the Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Antipasto?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
When should the herbs and garlic be added?
In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled eggplant with the minced garlic, chopped mint, basil, parsley, and pepper after broiling is complete.
How much olive oil is added during the mixing stage?
After tossing the eggplant with herbs, pour in the remaining olive oil from the 3/4 cup total and toss again.
How long should the eggplant marinate?
For maximum flavor development, let the eggplant marinate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Where should the eggplant be stored while marinating?
The mixture should be stored in the refrigerator, either in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a large Ziploc bag.
At what temperature should the antipasto be served?
For the best experience, take the eggplant out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time is recommended so the flavors have time to meld during the marination process.
What should I serve with this eggplant antipasto?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or as a flavorful side dish in an Italian-themed lunch.
How many pounds of eggplant are required?
You will need 2 large eggplants, which is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 pounds.
How much coarse salt is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of coarse salt for the draining process.
Is the eggplant peeled for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specify that the eggplants should be peeled before being diced.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I cook all the eggplant at once?
The recipe recommends broiling half the eggplant at a time to ensure even cooking on the baking sheet.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of olive oil in total, divided between broiling and marinating.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is simple to prepare despite the marinating time.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as it consists of vegetables, oil, and herbs, it is a vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as an antipasto, appetizer, and vegetable side dish.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.