Herb Grilled Aubergine

Herb Grilled Aubergine Recipe from Argentina

Region / culture: Argentina | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. This herb grilled aubergine recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare this vegetable, perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for a weeknight meal.

History

Grilled aubergine has been a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The smoky flavor that grilling imparts to the aubergine pairs perfectly with the herbs and spices used in this recipe. This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in your own home.

Ingredients

2 medium aubergines (eggplants)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika (check ingredients)
0.5 tsp dried chili pepper flakes, optional
salt and black pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the grill to a high temperature.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic and olive oil.
In another small bowl, mix together the oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, and pepper flakes.
Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise, keeping the stem ends intact, and lightly brush the cut sides with the oil mixture.
Place the eggplants on the grill rack, cut side down, and grill for a few minutes until they are lightly browned.
Lightly brush the skin sides with the oil mixture, then turn the eggplants (cut sides up) and brush them with the remaining olive oil.
Sprinkle the cut sides with the dried herb mixture, salt, and pepper to taste.
Return the eggplants to the grill and continue cooking (cut sides up) for another 10 minutes or until they are very tender.
Serve the grilled eggplants hot.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding some crumbled feta cheese or chopped olives to the grilled aubergine before serving. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When grilling aubergine, it's important to make sure the grill is preheated to a high temperature. This will help to ensure that the aubergine cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside. Brushing the aubergine with olive oil before grilling helps to prevent it from sticking to the grill and adds flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This herb grilled aubergine can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful vegetarian meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the aubergine gives it a smoky flavor and a nice char on the outside. If you don't have a grill, you can also roast the aubergine in the oven at a high temperature until it is tender and slightly browned.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all of the herbs listed in this recipe, feel free to use whatever herbs you have on hand. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs, using a larger quantity to account for the difference in flavor intensity.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the herb mixture and brush it onto the aubergine ahead of time, then grill the aubergine just before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated as needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the herb grilled aubergine on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This herb grilled aubergine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and pasta. It also goes well with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and tzatziki.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover grilled aubergine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the aubergine in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this herb grilled aubergine recipe contains approximately 120 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this herb grilled aubergine recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your day.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing approximately 7 grams of fat. The olive oil used in this recipe is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Proteins

Each serving of this herb grilled aubergine recipe contains approximately 2 grams of protein. While aubergine is not a significant source of protein, it can still contribute to your daily protein intake when paired with other protein-rich foods.

Vitamins and minerals

Aubergine is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains olive oil, which is a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a known allergy to olive oil or any other ingredients in this recipe, be sure to substitute with a suitable alternative.

Summary

Overall, this herb grilled aubergine recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. It is low in calories and fat, while providing a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Herb grilled aubergine is a simple and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal. With a smoky flavor and a blend of herbs and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or dinner party.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Herb Grilled Aubergine. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Lucy in her quaint little cottage by the lake. She had invited me for lunch, and as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air.

Lucy greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and she led me to the backyard where a small grill was already sizzling with delicious aromas. As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Lucy began to prepare the Aubergine, or as we call it here in the States, eggplant.

I watched in awe as Lucy deftly sliced the eggplant into thin slices and brushed them with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs from her garden. The vibrant colors and fragrant scents captivated me, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

As we sat down to enjoy our lunch, the Herb Grilled Aubergine was a revelation. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant combined with the fragrant herbs and garlic was a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate. I savored each bite, and as I complimented Lucy on her cooking skills, she simply smiled and said, "Oh, it's nothing special, just a simple recipe I learned from my grandmother back in Italy."

Those words sparked something in me, a desire to learn more about this recipe and its origins. I asked Lucy if she could share the recipe with me, and she happily obliged. She wrote down the ingredients and instructions on a piece of paper, and I treasured it like a precious gift.

When I returned home that day, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Herb Grilled Aubergine. I gathered all the ingredients and followed Lucy's instructions to the letter. As the eggplant slices sizzled on the grill, the familiar scents of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, and I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment.

When I took my first bite of the Herb Grilled Aubergine, I was transported back to that sunny day at Lucy's cottage. The flavors were just as delicious as I remembered, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Herb Grilled Aubergine for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it has been met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always smile and tell them the story of how I first learned to make this dish, from my dear friend Lucy on a sunny summer day by the lake.

As I look back on that fateful day, I am grateful for the sense of wonder and curiosity that led me to discover this recipe. It has not only become a beloved dish in my repertoire but also a reminder of the power of friendship and shared moments around the table.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, feeling inspired to try something new, remember that a simple recipe can hold a world of memories and flavors waiting to be explored. Who knows what wonders you may discover along the way?