Get ready to transform your ordinary vegetable side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline! These perfectly grilled aubergines and peppers are not just a recipe—they're a sensory journey that combines smoky, charred flavors with vibrant, fresh ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking enthusiast, this dish promises to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium aubergines, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the aubergines and bell peppers thoroughly. Slice the aubergines lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces, ensuring even thickness for consistent grilling.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to create a marinade. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of the aubergine and bell pepper slices.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated aubergine and pepper slices on the grill. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until you see distinct grill marks and the vegetables are tender.
- Rotate the vegetables 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side to create attractive crosshatch grill marks.
- Remove the grilled vegetables from heat when they are soft, slightly charred, and have a golden-brown color.
- Let the grilled aubergines and peppers rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle. Arrange on a serving platter.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity: Ensure all your vegetable slices are roughly the same thickness to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Marinade Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Let the olive oil, herbs, and spices penetrate the vegetables for maximum flavor absorption.
- Grill Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat to achieve those beautiful grill marks without burning the vegetables.
- Crosshatch Technique: Rotate vegetables 45 degrees midway through cooking on each side to create professional-looking grill marks.
- Resting Period: Allow the grilled vegetables to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and settle.
- Optional Enhancements: Experiment with fresh herb garnishes like basil or parsley, and consider a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
