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Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables With Cheese

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese

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A delightful combination of grilled vegetables and melted cheese, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it offers a satisfying, savory taste with a healthy dose of nutrients. The grilled vegetables, paired with the richness of cheese and herbs, create a well-balanced and flavorful meal. Let’s get into how to prepare this mouthwatering dish, along with some helpful tips, variations, and FAQs.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Vegetables

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 1 zucchini
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 shallot
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Provencal herbs (to taste)
  • Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil (for grilling)

For the Cheese Topping

  • 100 grams of cheese (mozzarella, feta, or any melting cheese of your choice)

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Eggplants: Wash the eggplants and slice them into 1 cm thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to remove any bitterness. After 15 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini into rounds about the same thickness as the eggplant.
  3. Peppers: Slice the red and yellow peppers into strips after removing the seeds and core.
  4. Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into thick slices.
  5. Shallot: Slice the shallot thinly to complement the other vegetables with its mild flavor.
  6. Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

  1. Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and shallots.
  2. Add the Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Provencal herbs to the vegetables. Toss everything well to coat evenly.
  3. Add Soy Sauce: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the vegetables to enhance their savory flavor.
  4. Marinate: Let the vegetables marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill the Vegetables: Once the grill is hot, arrange the marinated vegetables on the grill. Grill each side for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables develop grill marks and are tender but not overly soft. The eggplant and peppers may take a little longer than zucchini and tomatoes.
  3. Remove from Heat: Once grilled, remove the vegetables from the heat and transfer them to a large baking dish or tray.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

  1. Grate the Cheese: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or set your grill to a low setting. Grate 100 grams of cheese (mozzarella is ideal for a creamy melt, or feta for a tangy finish) and sprinkle it generously over the grilled vegetables.
  2. Melt the Cheese: Place the vegetables in the oven or under the grill for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Garnish: Once the cheese has melted, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
  2. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish. Serve the grilled vegetables warm as a main dish, side dish, or even as an appetizer.
See also  Root Beer Float Pie

Cooking Tips

  • Pre-salting the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant before grilling helps remove any bitterness and ensures a tender texture. Make sure to rinse and pat it dry afterward to remove excess salt.
  • Grill in Batches: If you’re grilling a large quantity, avoid overcrowding the grill. Grill in batches to ensure even cooking and the best grill marks.
  • Cheese Options: Mozzarella provides a creamy, melty texture, while feta adds a tangy and slightly salty kick. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda or goat cheese for varied flavors.
  • Extra Seasoning: If you prefer a more robust flavor, feel free to add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dash of red pepper flakes before serving.

Variations

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or onions to make this dish even more colorful and flavorful.
  • Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cheese alternative to make this dish vegan-friendly. There are several good options available that melt similarly to dairy cheese.
  • Spicy Kick: If you like your food spicy, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the vegetables before grilling, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished dish.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, this dish is highly customizable. You can add or swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or sweet potatoes to suit your preferences.

Can I use a non-stick pan instead of grilling?

Yes, if you don’t have a grill, you can use a non-stick pan or grill pan on the stovetop. Just make sure to oil it lightly to prevent sticking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after grilling, but you can prepare the vegetables and marinate them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and grill them just before serving.

What if I don’t have Provencal herbs?

If you don’t have Provencal herbs, you can use a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil. These will give you a similar aromatic profile.

What type of cheese works best for grilling?

Cheeses that melt well, like mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina, are ideal for this dish. For a tangier twist, you can also try feta or goat cheese.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

This Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese recipe is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Vitamin C: 95% of the daily recommended intake
  • Calcium: 15% of the daily recommended intake

Conclusion

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese offer a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. The combination of smoky, grilled vegetables topped with gooey cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it as a main, side, or appetizer, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Happy grilling!

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