Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Herb-Infused Ricotta and Roasted Tomatoes
Elevate your culinary experience with this Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring smoky grilled eggplant topped with a vibrant mix of herb-infused ricotta and sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes. This delightful recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, providing a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a satisfying stand-alone option for a light lunch or brunch. Best made with fresh ricotta to enhance the creamy texture and flavor, this dish will transport you to sun-drenched terraces overlooking the sea. Serve alongside warm pita bread or crusty rolls to savor every last bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (medium, sliced)
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Cherry tomatoes
250 (grams, halved)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Capers
1 (teaspoon, drained)
Ricotta cheese
3 (tablespoons, fresh)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Fresh basil leaves
12 (small)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to high temperature.
2
Generously brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3
Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and tender. Once done, arrange them in the bottom of a lightly greased small shallow baking pan and set aside.
4
In a small non-stick sauté pan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and finely chopped garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
5
Add the drained capers and continue to cook for another minute, stirring until well integrated.
6
Remove the sauté pan from heat and pour the tomato mixture evenly over the grilled eggplant slices in the baking pan.
7
Dollop the fresh ricotta cheese over the tomatoes. You may adjust the amount of ricotta based on your preference for creaminess.
8
Place the baking pan under the grill, watching closely until the ricotta begins to bubble and lightly brown, about 5-6 minutes.
9
Once ready, remove from the grill and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, allowing their fragrance to mingle with the dish. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The main vegetable used in this Mediterranean recipe is a medium-sized eggplant, sliced into rounds.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, featuring ingredients like olive oil, garlic, capers, and ricotta.
How should the grill be preheated?
The grill should be preheated to a high temperature before cooking the eggplant slices.
How long do the eggplant slices need to be grilled?
Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and golden brown.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of cherry tomatoes, which should be halved before cooking.
How much olive oil is required for the dish?
A total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used for brushing the eggplant and sautéing the tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, to sauté with the tomatoes.
What is the role of capers in this dish?
Capers provide a salty, briny flavor; one teaspoon of drained capers is added to the tomato and garlic mixture.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
Fresh ricotta cheese is used to create a creamy topping for the grilled eggplant.
How much ricotta should I use?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of fresh ricotta, though you can adjust this amount based on your preference for creaminess.
How do I prepare the eggplant before grilling?
Generously brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
What is the final step before serving the dish?
The final step is to scatter 12 small fresh basil leaves over the top to allow their fragrance to mingle with the warm dish.
How long should the tomatoes be sautéed?
Sauté the halved cherry tomatoes and garlic for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-focused dish consisting of eggplant, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs.
Can this dish be served as a side?
Yes, it is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats or can be served as a stand-alone light lunch.
How do I brown the ricotta cheese?
Place the baking pan under the grill for 5-6 minutes until the ricotta begins to bubble and lightly brown.
What kind of pan should be used for the tomatoes?
A small non-stick sauté pan is recommended for cooking the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and capers.
What should the eggplant be placed in after grilling?
Arrange the grilled eggplant slices in the bottom of a lightly greased small shallow baking pan.
What kind of bread goes well with this dish?
Warm pita bread or crusty rolls are recommended to help savor the juices and creamy ricotta.
How is the garlic prepared?
The 2 garlic cloves should be finely chopped before being added to the sauté pan.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
The recipe does not require peeling; simply slice the medium eggplant into rounds.
Is the basil cooked or fresh?
The basil is added fresh at the very end as a garnish to maximize its aroma.
Should the capers be rinsed?
The recipe specifies they should be drained, which helps control the salt levels in the dish.
Can I make this for a brunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a brunch and light lunch option due to its refreshing Mediterranean flavors.
What heat setting is used for sautéing the tomatoes?
The tomatoes and garlic should be sautéed over medium heat.
How should the salt and pepper be applied?
They should be applied to taste when seasoning the eggplant slices before they hit the grill.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
The eggplant should be tender on the inside with a golden-brown, smoky exterior from the grill.
Why is fresh ricotta recommended?
Fresh ricotta is recommended to enhance the creamy texture and provide a superior flavor compared to processed versions.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, the recipe specifies to serve the dish warm immediately after removing it from the grill.