Herb-Crusted Grilled Eggplant Delight
Description:
This Herb-Crusted Grilled Eggplant Delight is a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors. Thick slices of eggplant are brushed with olive oil, coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and fragrant herbs, and grilled to perfection. The crispy outside and tender, juicy inside make it a wonderful side dish, vegetarian main course, or even a healthy snack. It’s light yet hearty, packed with flavor without being heavy.
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant:
Wash the eggplant and cut it into ½-inch thick round slices.
Lay the slices on a plate and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
Pat the slices dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Herb Crust:
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Eggplant:
Brush both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil.
Press each slice into the herb-breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on both sides.
4. Grill:
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium heat.
Place the coated eggplant slices onto the grill.
Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the eggplant is tender.
5. Serve:
Transfer the grilled slices to a platter.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve hot!
Nutrition Info (per serving – about 2 slices):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~130 kcal
Protein 3 g
Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 3 g
Sodium 350 mg
Note: Nutrition info may vary slightly depending on specific brands of ingredients used and if cheese is included.
Time Requirements:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I bake instead of grill the eggplant?
A: Yes! You can bake the coated slices in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I prevent eggplant from getting too soggy?
A: Salting the slices beforehand draws out moisture, which helps keep them firm when grilled. Also, make sure not to over-oil them.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely! Just skip the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This goes great with a side of quinoa, couscous, a fresh tomato salad, or tucked into a pita with hummus.
Q: Can I prepare the eggplant ahead of time?
A: You can salt and dry the slices ahead, but coat them in the herb mix and grill just before serving for best crispness.
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