There is this quaint little Italian place in our town, Frantonias, that how do I put this… well, I’m obsessed. It’s my go-to spot when I’m abandoning the boys for dinner (homemade gnoochi, Italian sausage, and red sauce for them), or when I’m simply starving for lunch and have no kitchen (Mediterranean tuna salad), or when we have about 17.5 minutes to eat in between a football outing and a baseball game (fresh slice of pizza, shoveled down). Basically, it’s the answer to every dining scenario including how to make the best grilled eggplant. Like ever.
Guys, this stuff no joke. Don’t like eggplant? That doesn’t matter. You will like this.
I got accustomed to buying it so often, like awkwardly often, that I finally asked the friendly older gentleman behind the counter what the secret was. Because when I grill eggplant it tastes not that great.
‘Oh it’s easy!’ He exclaims in his thick accent. ‘After you’re done grilling your seasoned eggplant, simply submerge them in balsamic and olive oil to marinate. That’s what gives it that flavor.’
Jackpot. This stuff has been in rotation ever since. Laid out with crispy baguettes as appetizers, given to friends a hostess gift (they are that good), and center stage at Ravinia picnics.
Stunning, right?
- egg plant, thinly sliced
- fresh oregano, minced
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- balsamic vinegar
- Season up your eggplant generously with olive, salt, pepper, and oregano. Grill over medium heat for a few minutes a side, until you get the nice char marks.
- Remove and place in a bowl. Cover with a few more glugs of olive oil and a generous helping of balsamic vinegar. Let them marinade a bit before serving.
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Courtney
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I’ve probably driven by that place 1 million times but have never gone in – you convinced me to try the eggplant! (as I am not a fan) 😀
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I do love this recipe. I like eggplant, buy it once in a while, but never sure what to do with it.
I will definitely be grilling it.
Do you serve it hot, cold, or either way?
Please follow me as I am going to follow you. Your recipies look great, because they aren’t as much recipies as simple ways to eat simple food.
Jo Stone recently posted…Baby Birds
Twitter: dubagee
says:
I adore eggplant but do NOT eat it enough!! I must change that this summer for sure!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Will Quaker Oats Conceal or Reveal GMOs? #ConcealOrReveal
Twitter: charminglyuncmp
says:
Omg. Made this last night. Amazing!!! Best tip ever! Even S, who normally hates eggplant, ate it all.
This made my week!!!
Twitter: cookingwcarlee
says:
That looks delicious. I don’t think to buy eggplant very often, but this has inspired me!
This looks amazing! I love eggplant! Pinning to our #mondayfundayparty Pinterest board!
Twitter: qbirdie2000
says:
I love grilled veggies but don’t make eggplant that often. I think I need to give it a try. I love the technique of marinating after grilling. I always marinate before and its make it hard to grill and not steam. Great post. I pinned it to my Grilling and smoked board https://www.pinterest.com/dadwhats4dinner/grilling-and-smoking-recipes/
Twitter: notimefordiy
says:
Wow, this looks so good and so easy to do! I have a hard time thinking up good side dishes – definitely need to do this one. Thank you for sharing it a the #HomeMattersParty this week! Definitely going to pin this!
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Why do you have eggs in your front list but not on the actual recipe? Want to do this for dinner but am now confused.
Leslie, there are no eggs in this recipe, and eggs are not included on the ingredient list OR in the steps to make the dish.