Description
Grilled Garlic Herb Eggplant is a delightful summer side dish featuring smoky, charred eggplant slices coated in a flavorful garlic and herb sauce. This recipe is quick to prepare, vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for picnics or barbecues, delivering a caramelized, savory taste that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Eggplant Preparation
- 1 Eggplant
- 2 tsp Sea Salt
Garlic Herb Sauce
- 2/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Slice the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick slices, either diagonal or crosswise. Leave the skin on to help retain the shape and develop a crispy crust while cooking.
- Salt the Slices: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Generously sprinkle both sides with sea salt and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Preheat Grill and Pat Dry: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe off the excess salt and moisture from both sides of each eggplant slice.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, rosemary, pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to create the sauce.
- Coat Eggplant in Sauce: Dip each eggplant slice into the garlic herb sauce, carefully flipping to coat both sides thoroughly.
- Grill the Eggplant: Place the coated slices on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and marked by grill lines, ensuring a smoky, caramelized flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the eggplant from the grill, drizzle with any remaining garlic herb sauce, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Salting the eggplant helps reduce bitterness and prevents sogginess.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the grill to get perfect char marks.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
- Keep the skin on for texture and ease of grilling.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature, great for outdoor meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American