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.

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