Savory Balsamic Grilled Eggplant with Fresh Herbs
Elevate your outdoor grilling experience with this delightful Savory Balsamic Grilled Eggplant recipe. Marinated in a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, sugar, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional grilled vegetables. The eggplant becomes tender while developing a beautiful caramelized exterior, perfect for serving as a centerpiece or a delicious side. Ideal for a vegetarian lunch or snack, this recipe will impress your guests with its robust flavors and pleasing presentation. Prepare it a day in advance for maximum flavor infusion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
balsamic vinegar
1 cup (none)
sugar
1/2 cup (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
light olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
large eggplant
1 (skinned and sliced into 1/4 inch lengthwise slices)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, sugar, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
2
Place the sliced eggplant into a large, shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the balsamic mixture over the eggplant slices, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
3
Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably overnight to allow the eggplant to soak up the flavors.
4
When ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat.
5
Remove the eggplant from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the marinade.
6
Grill the eggplant slices for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a dark brown color and are lightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft in the center.
7
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Balsamic Grilled Eggplant recipe?
It is an elevated grilled vegetable dish featuring eggplant marinated in a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, sugar, and fresh herbs, resulting in a caramelized exterior and tender interior.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and is ideal for a vegetarian lunch, snack, or side dish.
How long should I marinate the eggplant?
The eggplant should be marinated for at least four hours, though refrigerating it overnight is preferred for maximum flavor infusion.
What are the main ingredients for the balsamic marinade?
The marinade consists of balsamic vinegar, sugar, chopped parsley, chopped chives, salt, and ground black pepper.
How should the eggplant be prepared before marinating?
The eggplant should be skinned and sliced into 1/4 inch lengthwise slices.
What temperature should I set my grill to?
You should preheat your grill to medium heat.
How long does it take to grill the eggplant slices?
Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 5 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the eggplant is finished cooking?
The eggplant is done when it achieves a dark brown color and is lightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft in the center.
Should I save the marinade after removing the eggplant?
No, you should allow the excess marinade to drip off and then discard the remaining marinade.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of chopped chives.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it a day in advance to allow the eggplant to soak up the flavors properly.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of light olive oil is listed as an ingredient.
How much sugar is in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar to help with the caramelization process.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a centerpiece for a meal or as a delicious side dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled vegetables, vegetarian, eggplant, appetizer, lunch, snack, balsamic vinegar, healthy, and outdoor grilling.
What is the best way to mix the marinade?
Whisk the vinegar, sugar, herbs, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
How many eggplants do I need?
The recipe calls for one large eggplant.
How should I serve the grilled eggplant?
Serve it warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
What kind of container should I use for marinating?
You can use a large, shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is the eggplant skinned in this recipe?
Yes, the preparation instructions specify the eggplant should be skinned.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features grilled vegetables and fresh herbs.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
It is lightly crisp on the exterior and soft in the center.
Can I use this for a picnic or outdoor event?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for outdoor grilling and is great for guests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Why is the eggplant sliced lengthwise?
Lengthwise slices are ideal for grilling to ensure even cooking and a good surface area for caramelization.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a savory and robust flavor profile with a touch of sweetness from the sugar and tang from the balsamic vinegar.
Is the recipe easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions involve simple steps: mixing, marinating, and grilling.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is tagged as a snack and is very versatile.