Grilled Eggplant Slices

Grilled Eggplant Slices Recipe from Iraq | Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Grilled eggplant slices are a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant pairs perfectly with the creamy tahini sauce and tangy pomegranate seeds.

History

Grilled eggplant has been a popular dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of grilled eggplant with tahini sauce is a classic flavor pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 eggplant, sliced
0.5 cup tahini
2 garlic cloves, chopped
0.5 lemon, juiced, or to taste
0.25 tsp cumin, or to taste
3 tbsp water, about
salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
1 Tart-sweet firm plum OR 0.5 pomegranate
0.25 cup Fresh mint leaves OR half mint and half cilantro

How to prepare

Grill the eggplant until it is lightly charred and tender. Then, transfer it to a platter.
In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and water. Season the mixture with salt and cayenne pepper. Drizzle this sauce onto the grilled eggplant.
Garnish the dish with diced tart plums or pomegranate seeds, as well as chopped herbs.
This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different herbs and spices to the tahini sauce, such as parsley, mint, or smoked paprika. You can also top the grilled eggplant slices with feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your grilled eggplant slices are perfectly cooked, make sure to slice the eggplant evenly and grill it over medium-high heat. Be sure to brush the eggplant slices with oil before grilling to prevent them from sticking to the grill.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled eggplant slices can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a main course with a side salad. They can also be served on a platter with other grilled vegetables for a colorful and flavorful appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the eggplant slices gives them a smoky flavor and tender texture. Be sure to grill them until they are lightly charred and tender, but not mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy sauce. You can also use lemon zest instead of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can grill the eggplant slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the slices in the oven or on the grill and top them with the tahini sauce and garnishes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the grilled eggplant slices on a platter with a drizzle of tahini sauce and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs for a beautiful and colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled eggplant slices pair well with grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken, as well as with rice or couscous. They also pair well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover grilled eggplant slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of grilled eggplant slices contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of grilled eggplant slices contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of grilled eggplant slices contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of grilled eggplant slices contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Grilled eggplant slices are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame (tahini) and may not be suitable for those with sesame allergies.

Summary

Grilled eggplant slices are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in fiber and low in calories. They are a great option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Grilled eggplant slices are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a creamy tahini sauce and tangy pomegranate seeds, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Grilled Eggplant Slices. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the seaside. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she loved to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, and olive oil.

Maria had just taken a batch of eggplant slices off the grill, and they looked absolutely divine. The eggplant was perfectly cooked, with beautiful grill marks and a lovely smoky flavor. I watched as Maria drizzled them with a tangy balsamic glaze and sprinkled them with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. My taste buds were in for a treat!

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she smiled and said, "It's a family secret, but I'll make an exception for you, my dear friend." She then proceeded to show me how to prepare and grill the eggplant slices, explaining each step in detail. I eagerly took notes, knowing that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

After that day, I made Grilled Eggplant Slices for my family and friends whenever I could. They were always a hit, and I quickly became known as the "Eggplant Queen" among my loved ones. I loved sharing this recipe with others and seeing their faces light up with delight as they took their first bite of the delicious grilled eggplant.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I would marinate the eggplant slices in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling them. Other times, I would top them with a dollop of creamy goat cheese or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.

As I shared this recipe with more and more people, I realized that it had a special power to bring joy and comfort to those who tried it. It became a symbol of love and warmth, a way for me to show my appreciation for the people in my life.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me and asked me to teach her how to make Grilled Eggplant Slices. I was overjoyed to pass on this recipe to her, knowing that she would continue the tradition and share it with her own friends and family.

Together, we stood in the kitchen, slicing the eggplant, brushing it with olive oil, and grilling it to perfection. As we drizzled the slices with balsamic glaze and sprinkled them with fresh basil, I saw the same spark of excitement in my granddaughter's eyes that I had felt so many years ago.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of loved ones, I knew that this recipe would continue to bring us together for years to come. And I felt grateful for the gift of cooking, for the joy of sharing delicious food with the ones we hold dear.

So, here is the recipe for Grilled Eggplant Slices, passed down from generation to generation with love and care. May it bring you as much happiness and warmth as it has brought to me and my family. Enjoy!