Can I grill the eggplant indoors?

Yes, you can use a stovetop or grill pan in the oven to cook the eggplant slices indoors if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat, and follow the same instructions for grilling the eggplant slices.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add vibrant flavors to the dish, but you can use dried herbs as a substitute if you don't have fresh herbs available. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Do I have to salt eggplants before cooking?

No, salting eggplants before cooking is not necessary. Salting eggplants is a traditional practice to remove any potential bitterness and excess water or extra moisture. However, modern eggplant varieties are bred to be less bitter, and bitterness is no longer a significant concern in most cases. Additionally, salting eggplants can result in a slight loss of moisture, which may affect the texture of the cooked eggplant. If you prefer a softer texture, salting can be skipped altogether.

Easy Italian Grilled Eggplant Recipe (Melanzane Grigliate)

Name: Easy Italian Grilled Eggplant Recipe (Melanzane Grigliate)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds; 1 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and Pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

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Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Slice eggplant into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
Mix the olive oil, minced garlic, basil, parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl with a whisk.
Brush both sides of the eggplant discs generously with the seasoned olive oil mixture using a good basting brush. Reserve extra seasoning oil to drizzle after the eggplant are grilled.
Place the eggplant slices directly on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they have grill marks, are slightly golden brown, and are tender.
Once cooked, remove the eggplant slices from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate or platter. Drizzle any remaining seasoned olive oil over the grilled eggplant slices. Garnish with torn basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Serve the grilled eggplant as a side dish or as a larger meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious Italian grilled eggplant (Melanzane alla Griglia)!

Notes

You can also add other seasonings or herbs, such as fresh thyme or rosemary to the olive oil mixture to customize the flavor according to your taste.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Savory
Method: Italian
Cuisine: Italian