Grilled Eggplant (Aubergine) & Garlic Spread Recipe
Description: This Grilled Eggplant (Aubergine) & Garlic Spread is an incredibly easy and delightful recipe that’s perfect for anyone who loves simple, healthy spreads. With just a few ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and makes a fabulous addition to any meal. The grilling process imparts a smoky depth to the eggplant, while the garlic infuses it with rich flavor. If grilling isn’t an option, you can roast the eggplant in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This recipe comes from my dear friend Cookie, who, beyond her wonderful recipes, shares countless other joys with me. 🍆🌟
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Spreads
Keywords: Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant (aubergine) 🍆
- 5-6 garlic cloves, sliced into slivers 🧄
- Olive oil for rubbing and drizzling 🫒
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions:
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Prepare the Eggplant:
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut several slits all over the surface of the eggplant. These slits will be used to insert garlic slivers. Ensure the slits are deep enough to hold the garlic but not so deep that the eggplant falls apart. 🗡️
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Insert Garlic:
- Take the garlic slivers and gently insert them into the slits you made in the eggplant. You can adjust the number of garlic slivers according to your taste preference; more garlic will give a stronger flavor. 🧄
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Oil Up:
- Rub olive oil generously all over the surface of the eggplant. This will help in achieving a beautiful charred exterior and ensure that the eggplant remains moist during grilling. 🫒
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Grill the Eggplant:
- Place the eggplant on a preheated grill. Cook it over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to ensure an even cook. The eggplant will eventually “deflate” as it cooks and becomes tender. The grilling time can vary based on the size of the eggplant and the heat of your grill, so keep an eye on it. 🔥
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Cool and Scoop:
- Once the eggplant is nicely charred and tender, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. When it’s cool enough to handle, cut a long slit down the center of the eggplant. Open it up and scoop out the soft, roasted flesh along with the garlic. 🍆
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Season and Serve:
- Place the eggplant and garlic mixture into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and drizzle a little more olive oil over the top. Mix well to combine. 🧂
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Enjoy:
- This spread is delicious served with pita chips or crackers as a snack or appetizer. It also makes a fantastic vegetable side dish. The flavors meld beautifully, offering a smoky and garlicky treat that’s both healthy and satisfying. 🥨🍴
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with pita chips or crackers for a tasty snack or appetizer.
- Use as a flavorful side dish alongside your main course.
- Enjoy it spread on toasted baguette slices or as a topping for grilled meats.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 25.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 2.2 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6 g
- Fiber Content: 3.2 g
- Sugar Content: 2.2 g
- Protein Content: 1.1 g
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for a light snack or as part of a larger spread. Enjoy the simplicity and the vibrant flavors of this grilled eggplant spread! 🍆🥂
