Best 4 Italian Grilled Eggplant Caprese Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with this delightful grilled eggplant caprese recipe. This tantalizing dish captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors, blending the smoky richness of grilled eggplant with the vibrant freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Italy.
In this article, we present not just one, but three variations of this classic dish, each offering a unique culinary experience. From the traditional grilled eggplant caprese to a refreshing caprese salad with grilled eggplant and a tantalizing baked caprese with grilled eggplant, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and culinary skills. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, you'll find a recipe that suits your expertise and allows you to create a memorable meal.
ROASTED EGGPLANT CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE
A little embellishment on the classic Caprese salad, this roasted eggplant Caprese is a filling and delicious appetizer with a special basil vinaigrette. Exceptional!
Provided by The Mediterranean Dish
Categories Appetizer
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spread the eggplant slices on a large tray and sprinkle generously with salt. Leave for 30 minutes; the eggplant will "sweat out" it's bitterness. When ready, pat the eggplant dry.
- Place the eggplant slices and the tomato slices on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the 425 F degree heated-oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven on for step # 5.
- When the eggplant and tomatoes are cool enough to handle, bring a small baking dish (about 6"x 9") and begin to assemble the Caprese salad. Arrange the eggplant, tomato, cheese and basil in the baking dish forming a tight row. Repeat the pattern (as you see in the tutorial picture below) until you fill the baking dish side-to-side.
- If you like, place the baking dish in the oven to heat for 7-10 minutes (just until the cheese melts slightly).
- While the Caprese salad warms up, make the basil vinaigrette. In a small food processor, blend the chopped garlic with the basil leaves, olive oil, lime juice and spices.
- When ready, remove the roasted eggplant Caprese salad from the oven and spoon some of the basil vinaigrette on top. Place the extra basil vinaigrette in a bowl to serve next to the salad. Slice a loaf of crusty bread to serve along. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 443 calories, Sugar 6.5 g, Sodium 931.1 mg, Fat 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 14.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 11.4 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 18.3 g, Cholesterol 67.3 mg
EGGPLANT CAPRESE WITH GRILLED TOMATO AND BASIL VINAIGRETTE
Provided by Tori Ritchie
Categories Cheese Dairy Tomato Vegetable Appetizer Side Vegetarian Backyard BBQ Mozzarella Basil Eggplant Summer Grill/Barbecue Bon Appétit Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Arrange eggplant slices on baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until slightly charred and tender, turning occasionally and moving to cook evenly, about 5 minutes. Transfer to foil-lined baking sheet. Grill plum tomato until skin is charred and split, turning often, about 5 minutes. Transfer to sheet with eggplant and cool. Core plum tomato; place in blender. Add chopped basil, vinegar, and 1/4 cup oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to small bowl. DO AHEAD Eggplant and dressing can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
- Overlap eggplant slices, cheese slices, and heirloom tomato slices on individual plates or large platter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle salad with dressing and garnish with basil sprigs.
ITALIAN GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH BASIL AND PARSLEY (MELANZANE GRIGLIATE AL BASILICO E PREZZEMOLO)
This Italian side dish (aka 'contorno') couldn't be easier! We make this often during the summer, when we have an abundance of basil and parsley growing in our garden. Works well with zucchini, too!
Provided by Kim's Cooking Now
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Brush eggplant lightly with olive oil on both sides. Stir together remaining olive oil, garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Arrange eggplant slices on the preheated grill and cook, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Arrange grilled eggplant on a platter. Brush with the olive oil and garlic mixture until eggplant has absorbed the oil. Sprinkle with the chopped basil and parsley and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.8 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 19 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 76.3 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
GRILLED CAPRESE QUESADILLAS
Here's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to swap in mozzarella or feta for the goat cheese, or make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. -Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Layer half of each tortilla with cheese and tomatoes; sprinkle with basil, olives and pepper to taste. Fold tortillas to close. , Grill, covered, over medium-high heat until lightly browned and cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 535 calories, Fat 25g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 67mg cholesterol, Sodium 665mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
Tips:
- Choose small to medium-sized eggplants with smooth, glossy skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Grilling the eggplant over medium heat helps prevent the eggplant from burning and allows it to cook evenly.
- To prevent the eggplant from sticking to the grill, lightly brush it with olive oil before grilling.
- Use a grill basket to make it easier to flip the eggplant slices.
- Allow the grilled eggplant to cool slightly before assembling the caprese stacks.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
- Drizzle the caprese stacks with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.
Conclusion:
Italian Grilled Eggplant Caprese is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish. The grilled eggplant is tender and flavorful, and the combination of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and balsamic vinegar is simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy cooks.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
