Mouth Watering Eggplant Caprese Recipe

This meal can be quickly grilled with minimal preparation, so dinner will be ready in no time! It's perfect for your next meatless Monday. Grilled eggplant caprese features perfectly grilled eggplant, juicy summer tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It’s an easy, healthy, and delicious summer dish that makes use of seasonal eggplants! It is gluten-free and nut-free, perfect for vegetarians.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING PERFECT EGGPLANT CAPRESE
  • The fresher your vegetables are, the better your dish will taste. Use an eggplant that is firm and doesn't have much brown bruising. It's best to use it within a couple days. Choose tomatoes that are ripe, fragrant, and give just slightly when squeezed but not mushy.
  • Oil and season the eggplant well for best results! This will enhance the flavor and texture.
  • You can serve this dish warm, cold, or at room temperature.
  • Serve this with toasted sourdough bread for the best experience.

INGREDIENTS OF EGGPLANT CAPRESE
INGREDIENTS OF EGGPLANT CAPRESE

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 c. cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 c. mini mozzarella balls, quartered
  • 1/4 c. packed basil, torn into pieces
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling 
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EGGPLANT CAPRESE

  1. Before you begin cooking, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cut eggplants lengthwise in half-an-inch thick slices, so they resemble steaks. As you're doing this, brush both sides with oil and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill the eggplants until they are soft but not falling apart, flipping them every 2 to 3 minutes. Once finished, place them on a serving platter.
  3. For the topping, combine tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil. Then, drizzle with balsamic glaze and red pepper flakes (optional).


Dishes best paired with Eggplant Caprese
Eggplant Caprese is a food that can be served with different types of food. Here are some dishes that complement it well:

  1. Grilled or roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes make great accompaniments to Eggplant Caprese.
  2. Pasta: Serve Eggplant Caprese alongside your favorite pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio, fettuccine Alfredo, or penne arrabbiata.
  3. Risotto: A creamy, flavorful risotto, like mushroom or Parmesan risotto, pairs well with the textures and flavors of Eggplant Caprese.
  4. When you make Eggplant Caprese, it is best to use crunchy bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or garlic bread. They are perfect for soaking up the yummy juices.
  5. Polenta: Creamy polenta complements the flavors and textures of Eggplant Caprese, adding a comforting element to the meal.
  6. A salad can be a nice side dish. It could have mixed greens, tomatoes, olives and a simple dressing. This type of salad will help balance out the flavors
  7. Antipasto platter: Create a delicious antipasto spread with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated artichokes to serve alongside.
  8. Quinoa and couscous are good choices to go with Eggplant Caprese. Add fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil for a tasty Mediterranean-style salad.
  9. You can serve chicken or fish. Grilled or baked chicken, like chicken piccata, and herb-crusted salmon are good choices for a meal. These are high-protein foods.
  10. White bean salad is a tasty side dish for Eggplant Caprese. It has lemon, garlic and fresh herbs. It also adds protein and fiber to the meal.


Additional tips for cooking Eggplant Caprese

  • Choose fresh ingredients: Select ripe, firm eggplants and fresh, high-quality mozzarella and tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
  • Salt the eggplant: Before cooking, sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry before grilling or baking.
  • Preheat the grill or oven: Ensure your grill or oven is preheated to the right temperature (medium-high heat for grilling or around 400°F/200°C for baking) to achieve even cooking.
  • Brush with oil: Lightly brush the eggplant slices with olive oil before grilling or baking to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
  • Season well: Season the eggplant slices with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices before cooking to enhance the flavors.
  • Watch the cooking time: Grill or bake the eggplant until it's tender but not mushy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side on the grill or 15-20 minutes in the oven.
  • Layer the ingredients: Once the eggplant is cooked, layer it with sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
  • If you want melted cheese on the Eggplant Caprese, put it back in the oven or on the grill for 1-2 minutes. The cheese will melt and get bubbly.
  • Allow to rest: Let the Eggplant Caprese sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Garnish and serve: Drizzle the dish with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Eggplant Caprese!

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