Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Towers
Delight in the flavors of the Mediterranean with our Grilled Eggplant Towers. This visually stunning dish features marinated eggplant slices, perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char. Assembling the towers with layers of fresh, juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella adds a delicious dimension to this already flavorful dish. Drizzled with a rich, reduced balsamic glaze, these towers not only taste amazing but also make for an impressive presentation at any gathering. Perfect as a main or side dish, this recipe showcases the best of seasonal vegetables.
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 lbs (peeled and sliced)
olive oil
1/3 cup
fig balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup
garlic cloves
2-4 (minced)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
chili pepper flakes
1 pinch
fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (loose packed)
fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon (loose packed)
fresh oregano
1 teaspoon (loose packed)
mozzarella cheese
10 ounces (thinly sliced or shredded (optional))
tomatoes
3 (sliced thin (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large container with a lid, combine the olive oil, fig balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, chili pepper flakes, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, and fresh oregano to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Slice the peeled eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices. Add the eggplant slices to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the container and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more flavor.
3
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4
Remove the eggplants from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the eggplants are tender and have nice grill marks.
5
Once grilled, remove the eggplant from the grill and let cool slightly.
6
To assemble, stack layers of grilled eggplant, fresh tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese in a tall tower format on serving plates.
7
Drizzle with any remaining marinade or a rich balsamic reduction. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
8
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
7g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Towers?
They are a visually stunning dish featuring layers of marinated grilled eggplant, fresh tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese, finished with a balsamic glaze.
How long should I marinate the eggplant?
The eggplant should be marinated for at least 1 hour, though you can leave it for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
What are the primary ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, fig balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, chili pepper flakes, and fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
Eggplant slices should be approximately 1/2 inch thick to ensure they grill evenly and hold their shape in the tower.
Do I need to peel the eggplants?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify using peeled and sliced eggplants.
What type of grill heat is recommended?
A medium-high heat setting is ideal for achieving a smoky char and tender texture.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant slices?
It takes about 10 minutes total, turning the slices halfway through the cooking process.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly dish made with vegetables and cheese.
Is the Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Towers recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is this a low-carb dish?
Yes, with only 7g of carbohydrates per serving, it is considered a low-carb option.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of mozzarella cheese, which can be either thinly sliced or shredded.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, these towers can be served warm or at room temperature.
What type of balsamic vinegar is best?
The recipe specifically recommends fig balsamic vinegar for its unique flavor profile.
How many eggplants do I need?
You will need approximately 2 pounds of eggplant for this recipe.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe uses 3 tomatoes, which should be sliced thin.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 9g of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 4g of protein.
Are there any spicy ingredients?
The recipe includes a pinch of chili pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
What fresh herbs are needed?
You will need fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano, ideally 1 teaspoon of each.
How should I assemble the towers?
Stack the grilled eggplant, fresh tomato slices, and mozzarella cheese in a tall tower format on your serving plates.
What should I drizzle over the final dish?
You can use any remaining marinade or a rich balsamic reduction for the final drizzle.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe suggests using between 2 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
Is this an appetizer or a main course?
It is versatile and can be served as either a main dish or a side dish.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh are preferred, you can use dried herbs; just remember they are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount.
What makes this dish visually impressive?
The tall, layered presentation and the contrast between the grilled eggplant and fresh garnishes make it perfect for gatherings.
How do I know when the eggplant is done grilling?
The eggplant is ready when it is tender and has distinct grill marks on both sides.
Does this recipe contain fiber information?
The provided data does not specify the exact fiber count, though eggplant is generally a good source of fiber.
Is there a specific way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance both the flavor and the visual appeal of the towers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate and grill the eggplant in advance, but for the best texture, assemble the towers just before serving.