Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. It combines the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with layers of tomato sauce and cheese for a satisfying dish. Here’s a recipe to try:

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Eggplant:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese and Assembly:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Eggplant:
   • Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Place the eggplant slices on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have grill marks and are tender. Remove from the grill and set aside.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in the tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   • Simmer the sauce for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
4. Assemble the Grilled Eggplant Parmesan:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce on the bottom.
   • Place a layer of grilled eggplant slices on top of the sauce.
   • Sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the eggplant.
   • Repeat the layers: sauce, eggplant, cheese, until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Finish with a layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
7. Enjoy: Serve your Grilled Eggplant Parmesan as a main dish with a side salad or over pasta for a complete meal.

This grilled version of Eggplant Parmesan is a flavorful and healthier take on the classic recipe, and it’s perfect for those who love the smoky taste of grilled vegetables.