Eggplant Avocado Napoleon

Eggplant Avocado Napoleon Recipe - Delicious & Healthy

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Eggplant Avocado Napoleon is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the rich flavors of grilled eggplant and creamy avocado. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a fancy brunch.

History

The Eggplant Avocado Napoleon is a modern twist on the classic French dish, Napoleon. The original Napoleon is a layered dessert made with puff pastry and pastry cream. This savory version replaces the pastry with grilled eggplant and adds creamy avocado for a fresh and healthy twist.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant, peeled
1 tsp salt, divided
0.33 cup +2 tbsp olive oil, divided
0.25 cup white wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 tsp fresh or dried rosemary
3 large california avocados, peeled and sliced
1 (4.5 oz (128 g)) container garlic-and-herb soft spreadable cheese

How to prepare

Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 6 slices.
Sprinkle the slices evenly with 0.5 tsp of salt.
Let the slices stand for 10 minutes.
Whisk together 0.33 cup of olive oil, the next 3 ingredients, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Set aside.
Brush the eggplant slices evenly with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil and grill them in a Weber charcoal or gas barbecue, covered with the grill lid, over high heat (400°F (204°C) to 500°F) for 2 minutes on each side.
Place the grilled eggplant in a large shallow dish and drizzle them with half of the olive oil mixture.
Grill the avocado slices without the grill lid for 2 minutes on each side.
Cut the eggplant slices crosswise in half.
Arrange one slice on each of the 4 individual plates.
Spread one-third of the cheese evenly on each slice, then top with half of the avocado slices and spread another one-third of the cheese.
Repeat the layering procedure with 4 more eggplant slices, the remaining cheese, and the remaining avocado. Top with the remaining eggplant slices.
Drizzle the dish evenly with the remaining olive oil mixture.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.
Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the eggplant evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Grilling the eggplant and avocado adds a smoky flavor to the dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the eggplant, as it can become mushy.

- Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Eggplant Avocado Napoleon with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a perfect dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini or portobello mushrooms instead of eggplant.

- Use lemon juice instead of white wine vinegar.

- Use goat cheese or feta instead of the cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the eggplant and avocado ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Eggplant Avocado Napoleon on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette would also complement the flavors of the Eggplant Avocado Napoleon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 32g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin K: 20% of daily value per serving

Potassium: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

This Eggplant Avocado Napoleon is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in healthy fats and vitamins. It is a great option for a vegetarian meal.

Summary

Eggplant Avocado Napoleon is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy brunch. With its layers of grilled eggplant, creamy avocado, and cheese, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Eggplant Avocado Napoleon. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a farmer's market in a quaint little town. As I wandered through the stalls, the vibrant colors and enticing smells of fresh produce filled the air. I came across a stand selling the most beautiful eggplants I had ever seen. The vendor, a friendly older woman with a twinkle in her eye, told me that they were perfect for making a delicious dish called Eggplant Avocado Napoleon.

Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe. She smiled and began to tell me about how she had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago. She explained that the dish was a modern twist on the classic French dessert, using layers of grilled eggplant, creamy avocado, and tangy tomato sauce to create a savory masterpiece.

I listened intently as she described the process of preparing the dish. She spoke of marinating the eggplant slices in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling them to perfection. She talked about mashing ripe avocados with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a smooth and creamy filling. And she shared her secret recipe for a homemade tomato sauce that would tie all the flavors together.

As she spoke, I could almost taste the dish in my mind. The combination of smoky eggplant, rich avocado, and zesty tomato sauce sounded like a culinary dream come true. I knew that I had to try making it for myself.

Once I returned home, I set to work in my kitchen, gathering all the ingredients I would need to recreate the Eggplant Avocado Napoleon. I carefully followed the instructions that the vendor had given me, taking my time to prepare each component with love and care.

The scent of grilled eggplant filled my kitchen, mingling with the earthy aroma of herbs and garlic. The creamy avocado mixture was smooth and velvety, with just the right amount of tanginess from the lemon juice. And the tomato sauce simmered on the stove, thickening and developing its complex flavors.

Finally, it was time to assemble the dish. I carefully layered the grilled eggplant slices with the avocado filling and drizzled the tomato sauce over the top. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, a true feast for the eyes.

As I took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The flavors danced on my tongue, each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. The creamy avocado contrasted beautifully with the smoky eggplant, while the tangy tomato sauce added a bright and fresh note to the dish.

I sat back in my chair, savoring each bite and reveling in the joy of discovery. This Eggplant Avocado Napoleon was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a true masterpiece of flavors and textures. And I knew that it was a recipe that I would cherish and pass down through the generations, just like the vendor had done for me.

As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but smile. I had learned so much from that chance encounter at the farmer's market, not just about cooking, but about the power of sharing recipes and traditions with others. And I knew that I would always hold a special place in my heart for that beautiful Eggplant Avocado Napoleon and the memories that it brought with it.