Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Whipped Feta

Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Whipped Feta

6 servings
Tender and perfectly charred, this Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant is finished with a drizzle of olive oil infused with garlic and jalapeno. It's a warm and smoky appetizer that's best served Mediterranean-style with whipped feta and pita.

Ingredients

  • 1 globe eggplant

    sliced into ½-inch rounds

  • Kosher salt
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1 lemon

    juice of

  • 1 jalapeno

    finely chopped, remove ribs and seeds if you need it to be more mild

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sumac
  • whipped feta

    optional ), (make this recipe

Directions

  1. 1

    Slice and salt the eggplant. Lay the eggplant slices on a large tray lined with paper towel. Salt the eggplant generously and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes while you work on other things. Beads of water will form. Wipe the eggplant dry and remove excess salt before grilling.

  2. 2

    Make the garlic, jalapeno and olive oil sauce. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil with the lemon juice, garlic, and jalapeno. Add a pinch of kosher salt and set aside (the lemon and olive oil will tame the hot peppers and the pungent taste of garlic).

  3. 3

    If serving with whipped feta, follow this recipe but you do not need the nuts in this case.

  4. 4

    When ready, heat a gas grill or an indoor griddle over medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Make sure the grill is fully heated before adding the eggplant.

  5. 5

    Brush the eggplant slices on one side with olive oil.

  6. 6

    Arrange the eggplant on the heated grill, oiled side down first. Grill anywhere for 3 to 4 minutes on this side or until some char marks form on the bottom, then turn over and brush the other side of the eggplant with olive oil. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and good char marks have formed on both sides.

  7. 7

    Arrange the grilled eggplant on a large platter and immediately season with sumac and drizzle the olive oil and jalapeno mixture all over. Add the plate of feta and warmed pita bread for serving.

Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Whipped Feta

Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Whipped Feta

40 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful appetizer that transports you straight to the Mediterranean? This Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with Whipped Feta delivers tender, smoky perfection that’s ideal for sharing. It’s a warm, inviting dish that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.

The magic of this recipe lies in its thoughtful layers of flavor. Grilling the eggplant creates a beautiful char and a tender texture, a stark contrast to often-soggy versions. The finishing touch is an aromatic extra virgin olive oil infused with bright lemon, zesty garlic, and a hint of fresh jalapeno, which awakens every bite. Pairing it with creamy whipped feta adds a cool, tangy counterpoint that truly elevates the dish.

Prepare to indulge in a medley of textures and tastes. You'll experience the smoky notes from the perfectly charred eggplant, followed by the bright citrus and savory garlic from the infused oil. A sprinkle of earthy sumac adds a unique tang, while the optional but highly recommended whipped feta provides a luxurious, creamy coolness that balances the warmth and subtle heat from the jalapeno. This dish promises a harmonious blend of flavors that's both comforting and exciting, making it a standout appetizer for any gathering.

This versatile dish allows for easy customization to suit your palate. For a milder experience, simply remove the ribs and seeds from the jalapeno. If you don't have sumac on hand, a little extra lemon zest can mimic its bright, tangy notes. While the whipped feta is highly recommended for its creamy tang, you can serve the grilled eggplant with plain crumbled feta or even a dollop of thick Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Serve this Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant with warm pita bread to scoop up every last delicious bite, making it perfect for an elegant starter or a casual mezze spread.

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