Enjoy the summer nights with this delicious grilled eggplant recipe. The eggplants are marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil and spices, then grilled to perfection. Topped with a refreshing combination of fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for a light summer dinner or as a side dish for your barbecues. Get ready to savor the smoky flavors and the vibrant colors of this summertime delight!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the eggplant slices on both sides with the olive oil mixture.
- Grill the eggplant slices for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and grill marks appear.
- While the eggplants are grilling, prepare the fresh herb topping. In another bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, mint, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, tahini, and honey to make a dressing.
- Once the eggplants are grilled, transfer them to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the fresh herb mixture over the grilled eggplants.
- Drizzle the tahini dressing on top.
- Serve the grilled eggplants warm or at room temperature.
Interesting Facts
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.
Grilling eggplants enhances their natural smoky flavor and gives them a tender yet slightly crispy texture.
The combination of fresh herbs adds a burst of fresh and aromatic taste to the dish.
Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
This recipe can be easily customized by adding other grilled vegetables or serving it with grilled halloumi cheese.