This is a vegan and gluten-free side dish. It’s easy to prepare, easy to cook and easy on the eyes when served. It features Japanese eggplant, which should just now be appearing at our farmers’ markets.
What’s the difference between American globe-shaped eggplant and Japanese eggplant? The first difference you’ll pick up on is the shape. Japanese eggplant is long and slender. It has a thinner skin and a sweet, delicate flavor. It has fewer seeds, so it does not have the occasional bitter taste of American eggplant and it is perfect for grilling.
Why not try this as a side dish at your next weekend BBQ!
Ingredients:
1 pound cherry tomatoes (quartered lengthwise)
2 celery stalks (diced fine)
½ cup sweet onion (chopped fine)
5 large pitted green olives (sliced thin)
2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
1 tablespoon capers (drained)
1 clove garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 fresh Japanese eggplants (do not peel – cut in half lengthwise)
Additional extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Oregano springs (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400 degrees).
Mix tomatoes, celery, onion, olives, oregano, capers, garlic, and crushed red chili pepper in medium bowl. Whisk vinegar and olive oil in small bowl. Pour over tomato mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Brush eggplant slices with additional oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill eggplant slices until slightly charred and very tender when pierced with knife, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Remove from grill.
Arrange grilled egg plant on a large serving plate. Spoon tomato mixture over eggplant and garnish with oregano sprigs. Serve at room temperature.
Chef Randy’s latest book: Ojai Valley Grill It Cookbook: vegetarian and vegan recipes and tips for successful grilling with color photos on Sale at AMAZON
For additional recipes, see Chef Randy’s website at valley-vegetarian.com.
Chef Randy has been a vegetarian for over 40 years and eats local and organic grain, fresh fruit, and vegetables as much as possible. He is known locally as the “Healthy Chef.” His column, Chef Randy, is syndicated in California newspapers. See his website at Valley-Vegetarian.com for more recipes.
