How to bbq aubergine
Barbecuing aubergine is a delicious way to add depth and smoky flavor to this versatile vegetable. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a satisfying main course or an omnivore searching for a standout side dish, grilled aubergine will leave your taste buds begging for more. This simple yet impressive dish is easy to cook and its minimal ingredients allow the natural flavors of the aubergine to shine.
Preparing the aubergine
Before you begin grilling, start by preparing the aubergine. Slice it into even rounds or lengthwise into thick strips, whichever shape you prefer. To enhance the smoky flavor, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the sliced pieces and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process draws out the moisture from the aubergine, resulting in a firmer texture and preventing it from becoming soggy on the grill.
Tip: You can also marinate the aubergine with your favorite herbs and spices. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary will add an extra layer of flavor.
Grilling the aubergine
Once the aubergine has been properly prepared, it’s time to hit the grill. Preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the aubergine slices directly on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are tender and have well-defined grill marks. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Tip: If you prefer a softer texture, you can cover the grill with a lid while cooking. This will create a steamy environment, resulting in moist and tender aubergine slices.
Serving suggestions
Grilled aubergine can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as a main course, either as a standalone dish or on top of toasted bread, with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It also adds a smoky flair when layered in sandwiches or wraps, giving an exciting twist to your typical lunch options. Additionally, grilled aubergine is a fantastic addition to salads and pasta dishes, providing a burst of flavor and textural contrast.
Next time you fire up the barbecue, don’t forget to add aubergine to the menu. Its rich flavors and tender texture will satisfy both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. So give it a try and elevate your grilling game with this delectable dish!
Tips for Perfectly Barbecued Aubergine
- Choose the right aubergines: Look for aubergines that are firm and shiny, with no soft spots or bruises. This ensures that they will hold up well on the grill.
- Prep the aubergines: Before grilling, slice the aubergines into even pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help them cook more evenly. You can also salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out any excess moisture.
- Oil the grill: To prevent the aubergine slices from sticking to the grill, brush the grill grates with olive oil or spray with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Preheat the grill: It’s important to preheat the grill to medium-high heat before adding the aubergine slices. This ensures that they cook evenly and develop a nice char.
- Brush with marinade or sauce: Before placing the aubergine slices on the grill, brush them with your favorite marinade or sauce. This adds flavor and helps prevent them from drying out.
- Grill to perfection: Place the aubergine slices on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks. Avoid moving the slices too much to achieve those beautiful char marks.
- Let them rest: Once the aubergine slices are done grilling, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the perfectly barbecued aubergine slices as a side dish or use them as a delicious topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads. Enjoy their smoky and rich flavor!
Preparing the Aubergine
Before you start grilling the aubergine, it’s important to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure your aubergine is ready for the barbecue:
1. Wash the aubergine thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Trim off the stem and slice the aubergine vertically into 1/2-inch thick slices.
3. Place the sliced aubergine in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will draw out any bitterness and excess moisture from the vegetable.
4. After 30 minutes, rinse the sliced aubergine with cold water to remove the salt and moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Now that the aubergine is ready, you can move on to the next step of grilling it to perfection!
Preheating the Grill
Before you begin grilling your aubergine, it is important to preheat your grill to the proper temperature. This will ensure that your aubergine cooks evenly and achieves that delicious smoky flavor.
Start by cleaning your grill grates and removing any leftover food debris. This will prevent your aubergine from sticking to the grates and will also help with even heat distribution.
Next, turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (200-230 degrees Celsius). Preheating the grill will help sear the aubergine quickly and seal in the juices, creating a tasty charred exterior.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure to light your charcoal and let it burn until it turns grey. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Spread out the charcoal and create an even layer before placing your grill grates on top.
Once your grill is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to start grilling your aubergine!
Seasoning the Aubergine
Before grilling the aubergine, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavours. Here are a few seasoning options to consider:
Salt and Pepper: Start by sprinkling the aubergine slices with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple combination brings out the natural taste of the aubergine.
Garlic and Herbs: For an extra punch of flavor, rub minced garlic and your favorite herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, onto the sliced aubergine. The aromatic herbs and garlic enhance the taste and aroma of the grilled aubergine.
Paprika and Cumin: If you enjoy a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika and cumin over the aubergine slices. These spices add warmth and depth to the grilled aubergine.
Lemon Zest: For a refreshing and citrusy twist, grate some lemon zest over the aubergine slices. The zesty taste complements the natural sweetness of the aubergine, adding a bright and tangy note to the dish.
Remember to let the seasonings marinate on the aubergine for at least 10-15 minutes before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate the slices and create a deliciously seasoned final result.
Experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favorite flavor profile for grilled aubergine. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper seasoning or a more complex blend of spices and herbs, the right seasoning can take your grilled aubergine to the next level.
Grill the Aubergine to Perfection
Grilling aubergine is a great way to bring out its natural smoky flavors and create a delicious, healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few simple steps to help you grill your aubergine to perfection:
1. Preheat the Grill
Before you start grilling your aubergine, make sure your grill is preheated to a medium-high heat. This will ensure that the aubergine cooks evenly and gets those beautiful charred grill marks.
2. Prepare the Aubergine
Start by rinsing the aubergine under cold water and patting it dry with a paper towel. Next, slice the aubergine into thick slices, around 1/2 inch thick. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Alternatively, you can also marinate the sliced aubergine in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for about 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the aubergine with extra flavor.
3. Grill the Aubergine
Place the seasoned aubergine slices directly on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they have nice grill marks and are tender when pierced with a fork.
Be sure to keep an eye on the aubergine while it’s grilling to prevent it from burning. Rotate the slices occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the aubergine is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to handle.
You can serve the grilled aubergine as is or use it in other dishes. It makes a fantastic addition to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Grilling aubergine is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Just follow these steps and get ready to impress your guests with a delicious grilled aubergine creation!
Serving and Enjoying the Barbecued Aubergine
After the aubergine is perfectly grilled and tender, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are a few ideas for serving and enhancing the flavors of the barbecued aubergine:
1. Slicing and arranging:
Start by letting the grilled aubergine cool slightly and then carefully slice it into desired thickness. Arrange the slices on a large serving platter, overlapping them slightly for an attractive presentation.
2. Seasoning and dressing:
To bring out the flavors of the aubergine, sprinkle some sea salt over the slices and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. You can also enhance the taste by incorporating fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley on top.
3. Add some variety:
Consider adding other ingredients to complement the barbecued aubergine. Crumbled feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, or roasted pine nuts are great options that can add a delightful twist. If you prefer some acidity, squeeze some lemon juice over the top.
4. Serving suggestions:
The barbecued aubergine pairs well with various dishes. It can be served as a side to grilled meats or seafood, added to salads, layered in sandwiches or wraps, or even used as a topping for pizzas or bruschettas.
5. Bon appétit!
Now that your barbecued aubergine is ready to be enjoyed, gather your friends and family around, and savor the delicious smoky flavors. Take a bite, and let the rich and earthy taste of the aubergine transport you to a culinary delight!
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