Recipe: Make Argentinian chimichurri grilled eggplant today
The Argentine chimichurri grilled eggplant is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of South American cuisine to your table. Originating from Argentina, chimichurri sauce is traditionally used as a marinade or condiment with grilled meats. This vegetarian and eggless adaptation showcases chimichurri's versatility by pairing it with grilled eggplant, making it an ideal dish for any gathering. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need one large eggplant, sliced into half-inch thick rounds. For the chimichurri sauce, make one cup of fresh parsley leaves (tightly packed), three cloves of garlic minced, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, one-third cup of extra virgin olive oil, one teaspoon of dried oregano, a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), and salt and pepper to taste.
Preparing the chimichurri sauce
Begin making the chimichurri sauce by combining fresh parsley leaves, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped but not pureed. Gradually incorporate the extra-virgin olive oil while pulsing to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Marinating the eggplant
Place your sliced eggplant rounds in a large bowl or dish suitable for marinating. Take half of your prepared chimichurri sauce and evenly spread it over both sides of each eggplant slice using a brush or spoon. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the marinade for optimal flavor absorption. Allow them to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
Grilling the eggplant
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated eggplant slices on it. Cook for about four to five minutes on each side, or until they show nice grill marks and are tender throughout. It's crucial not to overcrowd your grill pan, to ensure each slice cooks evenly, achieving the desired tenderness and flavor.
Serving your dish
Arrange the grilled eggplant slices on a platter, drizzling extra chimichurri sauce over them. Offer more sauce on the side for those wanting additional flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or as part of a vegetarian meal. The Argentine chimichurri grilled eggplant combines vibrant flavors with simple preparation, ensuring a delightful experience in every bite.
