Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just 25 minutes - a vibrant, aromatic marinated eggplant that promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. This simple yet sophisticated recipe combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled eggplant with the bright, zesty notes of fresh mint and briny capers, creating a side dish that's not just a meal, but a Mediterranean experience waiting to tantalize your palate.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly and trim off the stem end. Slice the eggplant into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Prepare a large skillet or grill pan by heating it over medium-high heat. Brush each eggplant slice lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Grill or pan-fry the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop golden-brown grill marks and become tender. Ensure the slices are cooked through but not mushy.
- Remove the eggplant slices from heat and transfer to a large serving platter. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes at room temperature.
- Sprinkle the grilled eggplant slices generously with chopped fresh mint leaves and capers. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the eggplant, ensuring even coverage. Gently toss to distribute the herbs and capers.
- Let the marinated eggplant sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose a firm, glossy eggplant with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Don't skip the resting time after marinating - this allows the flavors to fully develop and infuse into the eggplant.
- For extra flavor, consider lightly toasting the capers in a dry pan before adding them to enhance their nutty, briny taste.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and tastes even better after the flavors have melded together for a few hours.
- Serve as a stunning appetizer, side dish, or part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
