20 Best Italian Grilled Eggplant Recipe Taste The Magic Today!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
In addition to its delicious and versatile flavor, eggplant is a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, but one of the most mouth-watering and popular methods is grilling. Grilled eggplant is easy to make and can be used as a side dish or as the main star of a vegetarian meal. This article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to the best Italian grilled eggplant recipe, guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
Eggplant is a versatile and delicious vegetable that is often overlooked in grilling recipes. However, when paired with Italian flavors, it transforms into a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests. Here are 20 delicious and creative ways to incorporate grilled eggplant into your next Italian-inspired meal.
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Spicy Grilled Eggplant with Red Pepper, Parsley, and...
Main Ingredients: Globe Eggplant, Salt, Olive Oil, Parsley, Mint, Red
This recipe combines the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with the heat of red pepper flakes and the freshness of parsley. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Italian-inspired meal. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.
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Roast Chicken And Grilled Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Pasta, Carrots, Celery Stalks, Eggplants
Who says lasagna has to be made with layers of noodles? This version swaps out the noodles for thinly sliced grilled eggplant, creating a healthier and more flavorful alternative. The layers of grilled eggplant, roasted chicken, and marinara sauce create a hearty and satisfying dish that will become a new family favorite.
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Grilled Eggplant, Arugula and Mozzarella Panini
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Freshly Ground
For a quick and easy lunch, try this grilled eggplant, arugula, and mozzarella panini. The combination of creamy mozzarella, peppery arugula, and smoky grilled eggplant is a winning flavor combination. For an extra kick of flavor, add a spread of pesto to the bread before grilling.
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Roasted Eggplant with Ricotta and Mint
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Crumbled Ricotta Salata, Capers
This simple yet elegant dish combines roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta cheese, and fresh mint for a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with any Italian meal.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This classic Italian grilled eggplant recipe is a must-try for any eggplant lover. The eggplant is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before grilling, creating a flavorful and tender dish that can be served as a side or used in other recipes.
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Italian Sausage Tomato Sauce on Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian
For a hearty and flavorful meal, try this Italian sausage and tomato sauce served over grilled eggplant. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory sausage and tomato sauce. Serve it over a bed of creamy polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Bruschetta With Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant And Fresh...
Main Ingredients: Baby Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ciabatta, Ricotta
This twist on traditional bruschetta swaps out the tomatoes for grilled eggplant and adds a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese and fresh herbs on top. It's a tasty and unique appetizer that is perfect for any Italian-themed party or gathering.
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Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
Sometimes simplicity is best, and this grilled eggplant recipe proves just that. With just a few ingredients, you'll have a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a side, used in other recipes, or enjoyed on its own. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the grilled eggplant before serving.
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Grilled Eggplant Roulade with Pesto Ricotta Filling
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese
This elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. Thinly sliced grilled eggplant is rolled up with a flavorful filling of pesto and ricotta cheese, creating a unique and delicious presentation. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and impressive meal.
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Grilled Eggplant with Goat Cheese Polenta and Basil...
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Water, Polenta, Goat Cheese, Salt, Milk
This dish is a perfect example of how grilled eggplant can elevate a simple meal to a whole new level. Creamy goat cheese polenta is topped with grilled eggplant, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.
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Traditional Grilled Italian Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Small Eggplant, Small Zucchini, Red Onion, Bell Pepper
For a classic Italian side dish, try this recipe for grilled vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are marinated in an Italian dressing before being grilled to perfection. Serve them as a side or use them to make a flavorful sandwich or wrap.
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Grilled Vegetable Italian Panini
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Portobello Mushrooms, Ciabatta Bread, Goat
This grilled vegetable panini is a delicious and healthy option for a quick lunch or dinner. Grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are layered with tomato slices and fresh mozzarella and pressed between slices of crusty Italian bread. For an extra kick of flavor, add a spread of sun-dried tomato pesto to the bread.
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South Italian Grilled Toasts
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Eggplant, Zucchini, Red Onion, Button Mushroom
These toasts are a perfect appetizer for any Italian-themed gathering. Grilled eggplant, prosciutto, and goat cheese are layered on top of crusty Italian bread and drizzled with balsamic glaze. They are simple to make and bursting with flavor.
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Our Pasta Cake With Grilled Eggplant Will Become Your...
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Salt, Pepper, Balsamic Vinegar, Ground Beef
For a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes, try this pasta cake with grilled eggplant. Layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and grilled eggplant are topped with a layer of creamy ricotta cheese, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually stunning. Make it for your next dinner party and watch it become a crowd favorite.
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Rustic Italian Grilled Polenta & Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Eggplant, Yellow Crookneck Squash
This recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night at home. Creamy polenta is topped with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, creating a dish that is both delicious and comforting. For a burst of flavor, add a drizzle of truffle oil on top.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
Who says grilled cheese has to be made with just bread and cheese? This Italian-inspired version adds grilled eggplant, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese to the mix, creating a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
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Grilled Italian Vegetable Napoleons with Basil Oil
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Vegetable
This elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. Layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are stacked with fresh mozzarella and drizzled with a homemade basil oil. It's a visually stunning and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
This antipasto platter is a great way to incorporate grilled eggplant into a traditional Italian appetizer spread. Grilled eggplant, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, prosciutto, and cheeses are arranged on a platter and served with crusty Italian bread. It's a delicious and easy option for entertaining.
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Sweet & Tangy Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Oil Spray, Oil, Ketchup, Red Wine Vinegar
This grilled eggplant recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The eggplant is marinated in a mixture of honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic before being grilled to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with any Italian meal.
Preparing the Eggplant
Selecting the Perfect Eggplant
When selecting an eggplant for grilling, choose one that is firm and shiny with no blemishes or bruises. The stem should also be green and fresh. This ensures that the eggplant is ripe and will have a delicious flavor when cooked. It is also important to note that smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter than larger ones.
Slicing and Seasoning
Before grilling, the eggplant needs to be sliced into even, 1-inch thick rounds. Remember to season the eggplant with salt to draw out any excess moisture and bitterness. Let the eggplant sit for 20 minutes, then pat it dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial in creating a delicious grilled eggplant, as it removes any excess moisture that could make the eggplant soggy and prevents it from becoming too bitter.
Grilling the Eggplant
Preheating the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent the eggplant from sticking. This will also add a light flavor to the eggplant and help it to cook evenly.
Grilling Time
Place the eggplant rounds directly on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the eggplant is tender. Be sure not to overcrowd the grill to allow for even cooking. Once the eggplant is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish
Grilled eggplant makes a perfect side dish for any Italian-inspired meal. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a spoonful of pesto for added flavor.
As a Main Dish
For a vegetarian meal, serve grilled eggplant on top of a bed of pasta or quinoa, topped with marinara sauce and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables and a side of crusty bread.
With this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your family and friends with a taste of Italy right in your own backyard. Enjoy the rich and smoky flavor of grilled eggplant as a side dish or as the star of your next meal. Buon appetito!
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