Grilled Eggplant Parmesan

Cheesy grilled eggplant sits on top of a bed of homemade smoky grilled tomato sauce for an eggplant Parmesan dish like no other, making a perfect summer side or vegetarian main.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 310 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• skewers
• 2 cloves garlic, halved
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 (1 pound) eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 7 tablespoons extra virgin-olive oil, divided
• 1 shallot, halved
• 2 (10 ounce) baskets cherry tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into thin slices
• 6 sprigs fresh basil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Place eggplant in a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and let marinade for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Thread shallot and tomatoes onto skewers and brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Grill for 4 minutes. Flip and grill 4 minutes more.

Step 4

Transfer grilled tomatoes and shallot to a blender. Add vinegar, garlic, crushed chili flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse until blended but still chunky. Set aside.

Step 5

Grill eggplant slices for 5 minutes. Flip, and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt over them. Top each with a slice of mozzarella and grill until cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Spoon tomato mixture on a serving platter. Top with eggplant. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with fresh basil.