America's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated LogoAmerica's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated Logo

Grilled Eggplant with Cherry Tomato and Cilantro Vinaigrette

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on July 23, 2009

Time

35 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Grilled Eggplant with Cherry Tomato and Cilantro Vinaigrette

Ingredients

½ pint cherry tomatoes, each tomato quartered (about 1 cup)¼ teaspoon salt Pinch cayenne pepper 1 medium shallot, minced2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, minced2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 recipe Grilled Eggplant

Before You Begin

Grape tomatoes can also be used in this recipe. Choose the ripest tomatoes for the best, most flavorful vinaigrette.

Instructions

  1. Mix the tomatoes, salt, cayenne, shallot, cilantro, lime juice, and oil together in a medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature until juicy and seasoned, about 20 minutes.
  2. Transfer the grilled eggplant to a platter. Pour the vinaigrette over the grilled eggplant and serve immediately.
Grilled Eggplant with Cherry Tomato and Cilantro Vinaigrette

Grilled Eggplant with Cherry Tomato and Cilantro Vinaigrette

Headshot of America's Test Kitchen
By America's Test Kitchen
Save

Time

35 minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

½ pint cherry tomatoes, each tomato quartered (about 1 cup)
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 medium shallot, minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 recipe Grilled Eggplant

Ingredients

½ pint cherry tomatoes, each tomato quartered (about 1 cup)
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 medium shallot, minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 recipe Grilled Eggplant

Ingredients

½ pint cherry tomatoes, each tomato quartered (about 1 cup)
¼ teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 medium shallot, minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 recipe Grilled Eggplant

Why This Recipe Works

Our biggest challenge when developing a grilled eggplant recipe was dealing with the vegetable’s excess moisture. Salting is usually the answer, but fortunately, the high heat of the grill evaporates the liquid and allows for excellent browning. Don’t make the mistake of salting and resting your eggplant before grilling. The size of the slices also matters in our grilled eggplant recipe. We found that ¾-inch rounds were perfect for grilling and didn’t fall apart on the grates.

Before You Begin

Grape tomatoes can also be used in this recipe. Choose the ripest tomatoes for the best, most flavorful vinaigrette.

Instructions

  1. Mix the tomatoes, salt, cayenne, shallot, cilantro, lime juice, and oil together in a medium bowl. Let stand at room temperature until juicy and seasoned, about 20 minutes.
  2. Transfer the grilled eggplant to a platter. Pour the vinaigrette over the grilled eggplant and serve immediately.

Gift This Recipe

Enjoyed this dish? Let others know by sharing it as a gift recipe.

This is a members' feature.