Spectacular and tasty, the mini grilled eggplant towers are the perfect starter dish for a lunch or dinner.
In the warm atmosphere of a summer evening, surrounded by the relaxing sound of crickets and the enveloping scent of aromatic herbs dancing in the air, the eggplant towers take the stage, ready to captivate guests with their intense, aromatic taste and their special presentation.
Eggplants, with their slightly smoky grilled flavor, are the star ingredient of this dish. Sliced and grilled until achieving the right golden texture, they form the base upon which we build our towers.
Their soft and juicy texture is evident through the delicate grill marks, while the crispy edges promise a pleasant surprise with the first bite.
Each slice of eggplant is alternated with layers of cherry tomatoes, red as rubies, finely sliced to highlight their vibrant color and release a fresh, inviting aroma. The layers alternate harmoniously, creating a pleasing play of colors and shapes.
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil completes the dish, adding a touch of shine and intensifying the Mediterranean aromas. Fresh basil leaves, gracefully placed on the initial layer, add a touch of elegance and fragrance.
The mini grilled eggplant towers are not only delicious but also extremely versatile. They are ideal as a delightful starter for an elegant dinner under the stars or as an appetizer at an informal lunch with friends.
Ready to enjoy this delight, the perfect blend of simplicity, elegance, and taste?
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 20
- Cooking methods: Grill
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 20.17 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 2.28 (g) of which sugars 1.56 (g)
- Proteins 0.40 (g)
- Fat 1.26 (g) of which saturated 0.18 (g)of which unsaturated 0.04 (g)
- Fibers 1.02 (g)
- Sodium 113.27 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 17 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Mini Grilled Eggplant Towers
- 3 eggplants
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- leaves basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pinches salt
Preparation of Mini Grilled Eggplant Towers
Wash the eggplants and dry them well; remove the stalk and slice them not too thick.
Heat the grill well and place the eggplant slices well spaced from each other. Grill them on both sides, turning them often. When ready, transfer them to a tray and let them cool.
With a kitchen brush, lightly oil each eggplant slice and lightly salt them.
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes; slice them and season with a pinch of salt.
Now proceed to form the mini towers, alternating slices of eggplant with one of cherry tomato and so on, until reaching the desired height.
Then, place the eggplant towers on a serving plate and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Suggestions
You can also vary the combinations in preparing the eggplant towers. Here are some tips:
-Add layers of cheese, such as mozzarella or smoked provolone, between the grilled eggplant slices for a creamy, enveloping touch.
-Spread a thin layer of pesto between the grilled eggplant layers.
-Alternate layers of grilled eggplant with grilled peppers for an even more vibrant mix of flavors and colors.
Storage
The mini grilled eggplant towers are best consumed immediately after preparation, to fully enjoy their crispy texture and fresh flavors. However, if any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator, sealed in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days. Remove from the fridge half an hour before serving.
Related Recipes
Crostini with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Crostini with Baked Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Crostini with Zucchini Cream and Prawns
FAQ
Can I prepare the mini grilled eggplant towers without using a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the eggplant slices in a non-stick pan, lightly oiled, or in a hot oven until golden. Turn them constantly for even cooking.
What vegetables can I use to replace the eggplants?
Certainly. Zucchini, peppers, and potatoes are great alternatives to eggplants, to prepare equally delicious and versatile grilled towers.
Can the mini grilled eggplant towers be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the grilled eggplants in advance and assemble the towers just before serving. Alternatively, you can prepare the towers entirely and store them in the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge half an hour before serving.
