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Smoky Grilled Eggplant & Gouda Toasts – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Smoky Grilled Eggplant & Gouda Toasts

Tender, perfectly charred eggplant slices topped with gloriously melted smoked Gouda, all piled onto a crunchy baguette and finished with a vibrant, herby tomato relish. A flavor explosion that tastes like summer on a plate, perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or a light, satisf
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 201

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp (5 g / 0.18 oz) garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 g / 0.09 oz) ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) salt
  • 1/2 cup (75 g / 2.65 oz) chopped, seeded tomato, from 1 medium tomato
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) snipped fresh oregano
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) snipped fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp (10 ml) cider vinegar
  • 6 slices eggplant, about 1/2-inch / 1.25 cm thick
  • 6 slices smoked Gouda cheese, about 3/4-ounce / 21 g (0.74 oz) each
  • 6 slices whole grain baguette, about 1/2-inch / 1.25 cm thick, toasted
  • For the best texture, salt your eggplant slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes before grilling. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat them completely dry before oiling and seasoning.
  • Make the tomato relish ahead of time! It can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will be even better.
  • To prevent smaller vegetables from falling through the grates, use a grill basket or thread them onto skewers.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Seasoning & Relish: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, create the tomato relish by combining half of this seasoning mix with the chopped tomato, 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of olive oil, fresh oregano, thyme, and cider vinegar.
  3. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  4. Season the Eggplant: Brush both sides of each eggplant slice with the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining garlic seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the oiled slices.
  6. Grill the Eggplant: Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  7. Place the seasoned eggplant slices directly on the grates.
  8. Grill for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until tender and beautifully golden with grill marks. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, top each eggplant slice with a slice of smoked Gouda cheese and allow it to melt.
  9. Assemble & Serve: Place one cheesy grilled eggplant slice onto each piece of toasted baguette. Spoon the fresh tomato relish over the top and serve immediately.
  10. Don't have smoked Gouda? Smoked mozzarella, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious substitutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 7gFat: 11g

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