Grilled Vegetables
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One of the Best Recipes for Grilled Eggplant
This is a simple eggplant recipe but definitely one of the best recipes for grilled eggplant ever. Like a lot of grilled vegetable recipes, the great thing about this one is its simplicity. The eggplant is grilled to perfection and then served with pine nuts, basil, and goat's cheese. The balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top adds an air of sophistication to this grilled eggplant recipe. You can use feta cheese instead of goat's cheese if you like; the textures and tastes are similar.
To make this side dish into an entree, just add some tomatoes and a roasted yellow bell pepper. That would make it into a fantastic dinner for a warm summer evening. Oven-dried tomatoes are a great addition too and they add color as well as extra flavor and a new texture. You can alter the recipe in any way you want or just follow it as it is. Use either regular eggplants or Japanese eggplants for this. Japanese eggplants have a delicate, sweet flavor and a thin skin, so they would be perfect when you are making recipes for grilled eggplant.
This is a very simple dish and some of the best recipes are that way. The flavors and textures contrast yet go together perfectly and nothing else is needed to improve this dish because it is already wonderful as it is. Serve this eggplant salad recipe warm if you like, or chilled if you prefer. It is actually really good if you serve the eggplant warm from the grill so the goat's cheese gets really soft. The eggplant will not be hot enough to melt the cheese but when it softens it tastes richer.
Grilled Eggplant with Crumbled Goat's Cheese
Ingredients -
3 eggplants, in 1 inch wide slices
⅓ cup fresh basil, chiffonade cut
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 oz crumbled goat's cheese
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup toasted pine nuts
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Preparation:
Toss the eggplant in half the olive oil and grill it over a medium hot gas or charcoal grill for about 4 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.
Arrange the grilled eggplant on a serving platter.
Sprinkle the basil, pine nuts, and goat's cheese over the top and drizzle the balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and remaining oil over the salad.
(Serves 6)
Photo Description:
Like with many other recipes for grilled eggplant, this recipe looks very attractive. Everything from the glossy purple skin of the eggplant to the golden brown toasted pine nuts and the fresh basil will make you want to reach for a fork. This recipe is very simple to make and you can use any kind of eggplant you like. Why not try it with zucchini if you happen to have some? Serve this tasty grilled eggplant recipe as a side dish or appetizer. It is also a great entree for vegetarians if you add some tomato and bell pepper and serve it with crusty bread.
