Introduction
Charred eggplant with garlic and olive oil is a traditional Albanian dish that is simple, flavorful, and perfectly grilled on the Arteflame. By charring the eggplant directly on the cooktop griddle, you get a rich smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic-infused olive oil and fresh herbs. Cooking everything on the Arteflame flat cooktop ensures a perfectly even sear without burning, making this an effortless gourmet dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins to start the fire.
- Allow the grill to preheat for about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Grill the Eggplant
- Brush each eggplant lightly with olive oil.
- Place the whole eggplants directly on the flat cooktop griddle near the center, where the temperature is higher.
- Let them cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the eggplant is tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Infused Oil
- Move the eggplants toward the outer edge of the cooktop to keep them warm.
- Place the butter and olive oil onto the griddle.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Remove the eggplants from the grill and peel the charred skin off.
- Slice the eggplant into strips and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the garlic-infused oil over the eggplant.
- Season with salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and mint.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or side dish.
- Enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Albanian-style charred eggplant.
Tips
- For a more intense smoky flavor, leave the eggplant whole while grilling.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, mash the grilled eggplant with a fork before adding the garlic-infused oil.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- For extra richness, mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt before serving.
Variations
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Spicy Eggplant: Add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Tomato Basil Eggplant: Add diced tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist.
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Feta Infused Eggplant: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the grilled eggplant before serving.
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Nutty Eggplant: Garnish with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
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Yogurt Garlic Eggplant: Mix in Greek yogurt and extra garlic for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Albanian charred eggplant with garlic and olive oil is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling on the Arteflame. With its smoky taste, rich garlic infusion, and fresh herbs, this dish is a fantastic appetizer or side for any meal.
Best Pairings
- Grilled lamb chops
- Crusty artisan bread
- Feta cheese and olives
- A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad