Creamy Grilled Eggplant is one of those dishes that’ll make you fall in love with vegetables all over again. I discovered this recipe during a summer cooking spree and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The tender eggplant melts in your mouth while the nuts add just the right crunch. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but fancy enough for company.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes the humble eggplant and turns it into something special. The grilling brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness, while sour cream adds richness. Fresh herbs and garlic create layers of flavor, and the walnuts give a wonderful textural contrast. It’s a great way to use seasonal eggplants and works well as both a main dish or side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how the eggplant gets perfectly tender and golden brown. The dish comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you might already have. The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes every bite interesting. Plus, it’s a versatile dish – serve it hot or at room temperature, as a dip with bread or as a side dish.
Creamy Grilled Eggplant
Cooking Tips
– Salt your eggplant slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before cooking to remove bitterness
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying eggplant
– Keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning the garlic
– Use thick yogurt if you can’t find sour cream
– Pat the eggplant dry before frying for better browning
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4 as a side dish. Total prep and cooking time: 30 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or enjoy at room temperature. Serve with warm pita bread or as a side to grilled meats.
Similar Recipes
- Baba Ganoush
- Roasted Eggplant Dip
- Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
- Eggplant Caviar
Nutrient Benefits
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fats and protein. Garlic offers immune-boosting compounds, while fresh herbs bring vitamins and minerals. This dish is naturally low in calories but high in flavor.
Creamy Grilled Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 Eggplants (Brinjals - peeled, finely sliced)
- 1 Onion (small, finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 cloves Garlic (small, finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Mint Leaves (dried)
- 1 tbsp Sour Cream or Thick Yogurt
- Salt as per taste
- Black Pepper Powder as per taste
- Olive Oil as required
- Walnuts (few, chopped)
- Parsley (few, chopped)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tblsp of olive oil in a frying pan.
- Add the eggplants and fry until soft and golden.
- Remove and drain excess oil.
- Saute the onions until translucent, adding a little bit more oil if required.
- Add the turmeric powder and stir fry for 15 to 20 seconds.
- Move the onions to one side and add the garlic.
- Fry for 10 seconds and move this to another side.
- Add mint leaves and fry for 10 seconds.
- Remove the pan from flame and keep aside. Reserve some for garnishing.
- Add the eggplants to a bowl and mash well.
- Heat a little bit more oil in a pan.
- Add the eggplant, sour cream, onions, garlic and mint leaves.
- Add salt and pepper powder.
- Heat through and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with the reserved onions, garlic and mint.
- Sprinkle some walnut and parsley.
- Serve.
Sign up for our newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat. The flavors actually get better with time.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works great as a substitute. It gives the same creamy texture and tangy flavor while being lower in fat. Just make sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best results.
How do I pick the best eggplants?
Look for eggplants that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, shiny skin. They should be firm but not hard. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds.
