Description
Grilled Eggplant with Feta and Herbs is a vibrant dish that transforms the classic eggplant into an irresistible centerpiece for your dining table. This delightful recipe features smoky grilled eggplant paired with creamy feta cheese and a medley of fresh herbs, creating a flavor explosion that’s perfect for summer barbecues or elegant dinner parties. Even if you’re not typically an eggplant fan, this dish is sure to win you over with its unique taste and healthy ingredients. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving options, it can shine as a main dish or complement any meal. Elevate your cooking with this delicious recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 T olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic puree or finely minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 T fresh lemon juice
- 2 T red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- generous pinch Aleppo Pepper or cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. Spike Seasoning (optional)
- 6 T extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cut both ends off the eggplants and slice them into pieces about 3/4 inches thick.
- If salting, lay sliced eggplants on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Allow to sit for about 20 minutes until beads of water appear.
- After salting one side, turn over the slices and sprinkle salt on the other side; let sit an additional 20 minutes.
- Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine garlic, salt, lemon juice, and red onion. Pulse until well mixed.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before transferring to a bowl; stir in cumin, Aleppo Pepper or cayenne, Spike Seasoning (if using), then whisk in olive oil.
- Wipe off excess water from salted eggplants using dry paper towels; place them on a baking sheet.
- Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil.
- Lay eggplant slices on the grill; cook 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks form.
- Once grilled to your liking, arrange the eggplants on a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with the garlic-cumin vinaigrette and sprinkle crumbled feta along with fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg