Grilled Eggplant with Lemon & Mint
Tossed with fresh mint for added brightness, this barbecued eggplant boasts a wonderfully-rich and smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
2 medium eggplants
Olive oil, for basting
For dressing:
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice and zest from 1 lemon
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1-2 teaspoons sugar
4 tablespoons very coarsely chopped mint
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Prepare the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon zest and juice and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Add in sugar, salt and pepper and check for taste (it should be fairly sweet). Add in half of the chopped mint and set aside.
2. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Cut each eggplant lengthwise into about 8 thin slices about ¼-inch thick, then brush each liberally with olive oil. Lay on the grill, cooking each side about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly charred.
3. Arrange the slices on a large platter and spoon dressing over top. Cover and set aside to allow eggplant to soak up the dressing. Sprinkle with the remaining mint and serve warm or at room temperature.
Late-Summer Bounty Recipes
From juicy heirloom tomatoes and crisp peppers to fragrant peaches and lemons, summer’s late-season bounty continues this week with a fresh and flavorful meal starring a creamy polenta entree topped by all-natural chicken Italian sausage, smoky-sweet peppers and summer squash. Add alongside a robust red wine, our housemade pickled cauliflower to pair with Pain au Levain bread and Grana-style cheese, plus crisp produce including fresh cranberry beans, cucumbers and baby beets, and you’ve got all the makings of an al fresco feast.
Here are a few recipe ideas for the week:
Polenta with Chicken Italian Sausage & Sautéed Summer Vegetables
This creamy dish is bright with Italian flavors, courtesy of pungent mixed peppers and summer squash.
Chilled Tomato & Peach Soup
This creamy, cold soup is bursting with spicy appeal.
Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Basil
Juicy and incredibly crisp, this salad always receives rave reviews.
Fresh Cranberry Beans with Lemon & Olive Oil
A lovely side for a summer barbecue, these beautiful beans are also tossed with fresh herbs.
Grilled Eggplant with Lemon & Mint
Tossed with fresh mint for added brightness, this barbecued eggplant boasts a wonderfully-rich and smoky flavor.
Smoky Bell Pepper & Eggplant Salsa
This smoky salsa is a wonderful boost for burgers, sausages and more.
No-Bake White Peach Crumble
The perfect no-fuss dessert for a hot summer’s day!
