Charcoal Roasted Eggplant Food

GRILLED EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Peel the eggplants lengthwise in 1-inch intervals to create stripes (this helps with oiliness) then slice each eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Add the eggplant to a large bowl with the olive oil. Sprinkle in the oregano and toss to combine. Season well with salt and cracked black pepper.
• Place the seasoned eggplant slices over direct heat and cook until nicely charred and beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Move the slices over indirect heat to finish cooking as you add more pieces to direct heat. Top each piece with a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella. Close the grill and allow the cheese to melt and the tomato to warm through.
• Remove the eggplant to a baking sheet and grate Parmesan all over the top. Place the baking sheet back on the grill over direct heat to warm up and melt the Parmesan. Transfer to a platter and top with torn basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve!

CHARCOAL-ROASTED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Salt the open face of each eggplant half, set them on end and allow to drain at least a half-hour. Meanwhile, make a fire in a grill. Chiffonade the lemon balm leaves by stacking them, rolling them up and slicing the roll crosswise as thinly as possible. Separate.
• Rub the salt off the eggplants and cut slits lengthwise 1/2-inch apart on the opened halves. Do not cut through. Repeat crosswise to create a grid of 1/2-inch squares.
• Press about 2 tablespoons of the lemon balm into the slits of each eggplant half and drizzle 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top. Roast until the cubes are juicy and yield under light pressure, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, julienne the remaining cup of lemon balm and place in a bowl big enough to contain all the eggplants. When the eggplants are done, scoop the cubed flesh from their skins. Separate the cubes, if desired. Add the anchovies, capers, salt and pepper. Toss, chill and serve.

ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC AND HERBS

Steps:

• Put the eggplant pieces in a large colander and sprinkle all over with the 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Set in the sink to drain for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Put a baking sheet in the oven to heat for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the shallot and garlic, and push to the side of the cutting board. Chop the parsley, then draw the shallots and garlic in with the herbs and chop them together, until finely chopped. Stir the aromatics and walnut oil together in a serving bowl.
• Toss the purged eggplant with the olive oil and pepper. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and brush or drizzle with olive oil. Spread the eggplant out on the pan and return to the oven. Roast until the eggplant is tender yet firm and rich brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, toss with garlic and herbs. Serve right away or at room temperature.

GRILLED WHOLE EGGPLANT WITH HARISSA VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal fire in a grill. Let coals cool to medium heat (coals should be covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining).
• Grill eggplant directly on coals, turning occasionally, until skin is blackened and flesh has collapsed, 15-20 minutes. (Alternatively, grill on the grate of a gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 20-25 minutes.) Transfer to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and let cool slightly.
• Carefully remove skin from eggplant, leaving stem intact. Season on all sides with 1/2 tsp. salt. Let sit on rack until excess water is drained, 20-30 minutes.
• Whisk oil, lemon juice, harissa, honey, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl to combine.
• Using a paring knife, make several slits down length of eggplant on each side. Transfer to a plate and pour dressing over. Top with parsley and serve with bread alongside.
• Do Ahead: Eggplant (without parsley) can be dressed 8 hours ahead. Let sit at room temperature up to 4 hours. Chill, if waiting longer, and let sit at room temperature 1 hour before serving.