Ingredients:
- 4 Ping Tung eggplants
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the Ping Tung eggplants in half lengthwise.
- Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Grilling: Brush the eggplant halves with the garlic and herb oil. Place them on the grill, cut side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and have grill marks.
- Serving: Remove from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
Ping Tung eggplants, originating from Taiwan, are a delightful addition to any garden, prized for their long, slender shape and vibrant purple color. If you’re growing these in your garden, you’ll appreciate their prolific yield and relatively low maintenance. These eggplants have a tender texture and sweet flavor, making them ideal for a variety of dishes.
As you stroll through your garden to harvest fresh Ping Tung eggplants for dinner, also gather some rosemary and lemon thyme. These fresh herbs will enhance the natural flavor of the eggplant, creating a simple yet delicious dish.
To prepare, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Slice the eggplants lengthwise and prepare a garlic and herb oil by mixing olive oil with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and lemon thyme. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried alternatives can be used—just remember to adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Brush the eggplant halves with the seasoned oil and grill them cut side down for about 5-7 minutes. This method will give you tender eggplants with beautiful grill marks. Once done, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top adds a burst of freshness.
This dish is versatile and forgiving. If you don’t have Ping Tung eggplants, you can substitute with Japanese, Chinese, or small Italian varieties, ensuring you have about 1-1.5 pounds in total. The combination of garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon makes these grilled eggplants a perfect side dish or appetizer, capturing the essence of summer and the joys of home gardening. Enjoy your fresh, homegrown produce in this simple, flavorful recipe!
Other Ping Tung Eggplant dishes:
Ping Tung Eggplant Stir-Fry
Ping Tung Eggplant Parmesan
