Lately, grilled vegetables are being used a lot as accompaniments or as a main dish. In the vegan world, grilled vegetables with a good dressing are a delicacy. In this sense, today, we are sharing our delicious grilled aubergine recipe.
Grilled aubergines (eggplants) are a tasty, versatile and healthy meal to use as an accompaniment to any roast meat. As mentioned above, you can serve them as the main course if you are vegetarian or vegan or just trying to eat less meat.
A few years ago, we weren’t even big fans of aubergines. However, that changed when we started preparing them in different ways. We know many people who do not like it, but there are so many ways to prepare them that this delicious veggie will indeed conquer you.
Grilled aubergine (eggplant): a great treat of summer
As grilled zucchinis, grilled eggplants can be one of the great summer treats. They are fresh, and they literally will melt in your mouth. For us, it’s all about the tender aubergine, with bits of crispy charred edges here and there.
Aubergine contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fibre. One whole cup of aubergine is only 20 calories! Best of all, they’re low on calories but high on flavour when seasoned right!
Imagine yourself eating a healthy and delicious barbecue in a garden, a terrace, or a beautiful outdoor kitchen this summer in the Algarve. A delightful grilled food aroma, the breeze and your loved ones.
If you plan your BBQ season, take notice that grilled veggies are a great option to accompany any meat types, such as Portuguese sardines, codfish, juicy steaks or ribs.
On the other hand, if you’ve had a bad experience eating eggplants, perhaps you have eaten overcooked or spongy. Today is your lucky day! With this recipe, you will learn to prepare them soft and flavorful. Read on and learn!
Perfect grilled aubergine recipe
Follow these easy steps to prepare our grilled aubergine recipe, the vegetable side dish that goes perfectly with a barbecued steak or roast.
What you need:
- 2 medium-sized aubergines, cut lengthwise into 1 cm slices
- 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves sliced into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt, freshly ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional if you want a sweet flavour)
Notes: You don’t need to peel the aubergines, but you can if you wish. Try to find a firm aubergine with smooth skin.
On the other hand, if you prefer an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocadi oil instead.
Instructions:
In case you are intrigued about how to grill an aubergine, follow these steps for perfectly cooked results and use a great marinade that highlights this vegetable’s wonderful flavour:
1️⃣ While preheating the grill, submerge the aubergine slices in a large bowl with warm water and salt.
2️⃣ In another bowl, combine the olive oil with oregano, garlic, salt and pepper. You can add the maple syrup if you want.
3️⃣ Pat them dry and brush them with the vinaigrette.
4️⃣When your grill is hot, add the aubergines and cook for 5 minutes before turning and roasting the next side for 3 minutes. If the grill is scorching, keep an eye on the aubergines because they are immediately golden brown and ready.
5️⃣ Remove them from the grill and serve.
#BBQTip Dive into a whole vegetable experience by serving the eggplant with other roasted seasonal vegetables. It will allow you to have a low-carb, healthier barbecue with lots of flavours.
Useful grilling accessories for this recipe
What to serve with grilled aubergine?
Grilled and broiled meats go splendidly with this delicious side dish. Try serving them with one of these main dishes:
- Mouth-watering Portuguese-style pork kebabs
- Portuguese Piri Piri chicken on your charcoal grill
- Soy Maple Plank Salmon recipe
- Smoked brisket recipe on the grill
Have you tried any grilled vegetables? We would love to know any recipe ideas from you. Also, check our shop for the best-quality grilling products and accessories or visit our showroom in Almancil. We would love to help you create your outdoor dining space for dining al fresco!
If you loved this recipe as much as we do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag @bbqsalgarve. We would be happy to see that you’ve enjoyed it.