Italian Grilled Eggplant
Italian Grilled Eggplant, a simple, fast and easy appetizer or side dish. Make it on a bbq or stove-top pan grill. A few fresh ingredients will make this one of your favourite vegetable dishes.
Italian Grilled Eggplant
I just received one of my first bags of eggplants from my sister-in-law’s amazing vegetable garden. With this heat I’m sure I will get a few more bags.
When I first arrived in Italy and my mother-in-law made Pasta and Eggplant, and for the longest time this was my favourite eggplant recipe, but then I tried grilled eggplant and I was hooked.
Simple, fast, easy and so tasty.
Tips to make the best Grilled Eggplant.
- The best way and easiest way to grill eggplant is not to add or brush the slices of eggplant with any oil before grilling, you don’t want to burn them.
- You must add the spices and olive oil after they are grilled, we want the flavours to mingle!
- Once you are finished grilling the eggplant place the slices on a plate to cool.
- Then toss the grilled eggplant slices with fresh Italian parsley, garlic, salt and olive oil.
- Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.
Italians sure know what they are doing when they cook with this summer vegetable.
Stuffed, Sautéed, Baked or even topped on a pizza what more could you ask for from a veggie?
This Italian Eggplant Dish makes a perfect appetizer, served with some fresh Italian crusty bread or bruschetta, or even as I prefer it, as a main dish.
Should you peel the Eggplant?
If the eggplant is new, tender, and on the small side, (I also find the striped light purple ones to be the best for grilling), then there really is no need to peel, unless you prefer to.
The flesh should be free of blemishes and firm, not mushy.
Grilled Eggplant
Can grilled Eggplant be frozen?
Yes grilled eggplant can be frozen. Be sure to freeze the cooled grilled eggplant in freezer bags or freezer safe containers. Properly stored it will last from 10-12 months in the freezer.
Should the Eggplant be salted before grilling?
The eggplant slices do not need to be salted before grilling, as salting makes no difference. Salt should be added after when adding the remaining ingredients.
How to Store Eggplant
Eggplant should keep for about three days on the countertop or 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Cut eggplant should be wrapped in plastic and kept in the refrigerator.
Make it an all veggie meal, and serve it with some delicious cheese. My favourite is serving grilled eggplant with a big chunk of Parmesan cheese. This has to be one of my favourite combinations. A must try!
Imagine a slice of crusty bread, topped with a slice or two and a nice slice of parmesan cheese.
Believe me nothing better, oh yeah, don’t forget a nice glass of wine. Buon Appetito!
Italian Grilled Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2-3 long or round eggplant of choice*
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped Italian parsley (7 1/2 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- salt to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil** (56 grams)
*use eggplant of choice either purple or striped light purple, round or oblong.
**or more if required
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the ends of the eggplant. You don't have to peel the eggplant but discard the first and last slices (they will be the heels) Slice eggplant lengthwise (thin but not too thin), grill the slices on either a hot pan grill or bbq until tender (careful not to burn) for approximately 1-2 minutes on either side, remove grilled eggplant to a clean plate and continue until all the eggplant slices are grilled.
- In a medium bowl layer eggplant, sprinkle with a pinch of salt ,some chopped garlic , some chopped Italian parsley and drizzle with olive oil (from the 1/4 cup), continue with layers until all the eggplant is finished (I usually do 3 layers). Toss gently together, serve with a simple bruschetta or Italian crusty bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Updated from January 1, 2018.
When I was in Italy on a group trip, we had dinner in an Italian families home and of course they serve several courses for their meals. The first course was a grilled eggplant with olive oil. I couldn’t remember how it was made, but I just found your recipe and it sounds as close as any I could find. They do however drizzle a lot of all over it which was delicious. Calories but delicious making this tonight.
Hi Maureen, thanks so much. I hope it was enjoyed. And yes when I make it and most Italians it is dripping in olive oil. So good. For some reason I love eating it with fresh cut parmigiana. Take care!
Have you ever put a little balsamic or lemon on this ?
Hi Mary Ann, actually my husband loves balsamic on it. 🙂
I made this today, it was so good and so easy. I will definitely make it again. I knew I could trust you with a real Italian recipe. Thanks.
Hi Ellen, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend.
Thank you, Rosemary for this simple yet delicious Italian Grilled Eggplant recipe. I added it to an antipasto plate for yesterday’s Sunday lunch here in Northern NSW (Australia). Was worried about forgoing the olive oil during cooking, no need as it was so simple to just char the eggplant then dress it. It’s been added to my ‘go to’ repertoire.
I enjoy reading your authentic Italian recipes and the dishes I’ve made have been fabulous. my next challenge is to do a complete meal – the whole lot!
Thank you again, regards Gail
Hi Gail, thanks so much, yes I love grilled eggplant, its so good too served with fresh parmesan (for me anyway 🙂 ) Let me know how the meal goes. Take care.
wow served all the eggplant recipes for a family get together WHAT A HIT THANKS
Hi Dotty, glad everyone like the eggplant recipes. Take care.
I make this recipe all the time I just love it.