Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese

Ingredients

To make this flavorful Mediterranean dish, you’ll need the following:

    • 2 large eggplants
    • 1 zucchini
    • 2 tomatoes
    • 1 red pepper
    • 1 yellow pepper
    • 1 shallot
    • 100 grams of cheese (mozzarella, feta, or your choice of melting cheese)
    • 3 cloves of garlic
    • Provencal herbs (to taste)
    • Fresh basil (for garnish)
    • Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons)
    • Salt (to taste)
    • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil (for grilling)

Steps to Prepare Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

    1. Eggplants: Wash the eggplants and slice them into 1 cm thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to remove any bitterness. After 15 minutes, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
    2. Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice it into rounds about the same thickness as the eggplant for even cooking.
    1. Peppers: Slice the red and yellow peppers into strips after removing the seeds and core.
    2. Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into thick slices.
    3. Shallot: Slice the shallot thinly. Its mild flavor will complement the grilled vegetables perfectly.
  1. Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and shallots.
    2. Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Provencal herbs to the vegetables. Toss them well to coat evenly with the seasonings.
  1. Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the vegetables, which will enhance their savory flavor.
  2. Let the vegetables marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

    1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill surface to prevent sticking.
    1. Once the grill is hot, arrange the marinated vegetables on the grill. Be sure to grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
    2. Grill each side of the vegetables for 3-5 minutes or until they develop nice grill marks and are tender but not overly soft. The eggplant and peppers may take a bit longer than the zucchini and tomatoes.
    3. Once the vegetables are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a large baking dish or tray.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

    1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or set your grill to a low setting.
    2. Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the grilled vegetables. Mozzarella works well for a melty, creamy finish, while feta will add a tangy, salty flavor if you’re looking for something different.
    3. Place the vegetables in the oven or under the grill for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the grilled vegetables warm as a main dish, side, or even an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese recipe is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option:

    • Calories: 280 kcal
    • Protein: 8g
    • Fat: 18g
    • Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Fiber: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 95% of the daily recommended intake
  • Calcium: 15% of the daily recommended intake