Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
© John Kernick
Active Time
N/A
Total Time
45 MIN
Yield
Serves : 4
Grace Parisi
April 2013

This grilled-vegetable version of eggplant Parmesan, like the one Grace Parisi’s Calabrian grandmother used to make, is much lighter than the fried kind. Slideshow: More Healthy Italian Recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 large plum tomatoes, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped green olives
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped oil-packed Calabrian chiles or other hot chiles
  • 1/4 cup finely shredded basil, plus whole leaves for garnish
  • 6 ounces Fontina cheese, thinly sliced
  • Crusty bread, for serving

How to Make It

Step 1    

Preheat the oven to 450° and heat a grill pan. Brush the eggplant and tomato slices with olive oil and season lightly with salt. Grill the eggplant in batches over moderately high heat, turning once, until softened and lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Grill the tomatoes, turning once, until lightly charred but still intact, about 2 minutes.

Step 2    

In a bowl, combine the olives, chiles and shredded basil. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In the center, arrange half of the eggplant in a 9-inch square, overlapping the slices slightly. Top with half of the grilled tomatoes, olive mixture and Fontina. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, ending with the cheese.

Step 3    

Bake in the center of the oven for about 15 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with crusty bread.

Suggested Pairing

Medium-bodied, berry-rich Dolcetto d’Alba from Italy.

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