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Grilled Bread with Eggplant & Basil

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Grilled Bread with Eggplant & Basil Roland Bello

Making the eggplant spread ahead of time has a double upside: The flavors of the mixture will deepen as it sits, and you get to cross something off the list.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh marjoram or oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 3/4" pieces
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 3/4"-thick slices country-style bread
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 ounce Parmesan, shaved
  1. Step 1

    Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, marjoram, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until garlic is softened but not browned, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add eggplant to skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until just starting to brown, 8–10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until eggplant is very soft, 10–15 minutes. Let cool slightly; mix in lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 4 tablespoons oil and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.

    Step 4

    Spoon eggplant mixture on toast and top with basil and Parmesan; cut toast in half.

    Step 5

    Do ahead: Eggplant can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

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  • This was delicious and easy to make. I used oregano.

    • Anonymous

    • Texas

    • 4/9/2020

  • Definitely easy to make and relatively quick. However, as a lover of aubergines, I did think this wasn't a great use of them. I shall not be repeating this recipe.

    • Anonymous

    • London, UK

    • 7/22/2017

  • Delicious. I added mushrooms which was a hit with friends.

    • lora_lu

    • Denver, CO

    • 8/31/2015

  • Very quick to make and delicious. I used marjoram. Next time, I'll try oregano. It made a nice vegetarian option at our barbecue. Very hearty.

    • chris493

    • Seattle, WA

    • 8/25/2014

  • Awesome. Only change would be to cut bread prior to grilling, or at least prior to piling on the eggplant goodness.

    • rvburke1

    • Houston, tx

    • 8/24/2014

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