Grilled Lemons Baby Artichokes And Eggplant Recipes

GRILLED BABY ARTICHOKES WITH MIXED HERBS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the artichokes: Fill a large pot with cold water. Squeeze the lemons into the water, and then drop them into the pot. Add the olive oil and salt. Add the artichokes and cook until a paring knife inserted into the center meets with a little resistance, about 15 minutes. Drain and shock in cold water for 30 seconds. Drain again and transfer to a sheet lined with paper towels to dry.
• While the artichokes are cooking, make the vinaigrette: Whisk the mustard, honey, lemon zest and juice and some salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
• Heat a charcoal or gas grill to high. Halve the artichokes, brush with canola oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown and slightly charred on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the vinaigrette, herbs and red pepper flakes.
• Serve with grilled Italian bread.

GRILLED BABY EGGPLANT WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE

Steps:

• For the grilled baby eggplant: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high.
• Cut off the stems from the baby eggplant and slice them in half lengthwise. Make a 1/2-inch-deep crosshatch pattern on the flesh side of each using a knife. Put them in a medium bowl.
• In a small bowl, mix together the oil, rosemary and garlic. Pour the mixture over the eggplant, tossing to coat completely, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill, flipping halfway through, until tender and dark, about 10 minutes.
• For the glaze: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the oil, stock, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until the glaze is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Drizzle over the eggplant to serve.

ROASTED BABY ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Prepare artichokes. Remove the tough outer leaves of the artichokes and trim the stems. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer green layer from the stem. Cut off the top third of the head to remove the tough ends of the leaves, then split it down the middle. Rub with lemon as you work so they don't turn brown.
• Mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic. Lay the artichoke halves cut-side up in a roasting dish and drizzle with the olive oil mixture. Roast in the oven until the artichokes are tender, about 20 minutes.
• To serve, top with the cheese and garnish with the parsley.

GRILLED GARLIC ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with cold water. Squeeze the juice from one lemon wedge into the water. Trim the tops from the artichokes, then cut in half lengthwise, and place halves into the bowl of lemon water to prevent them from turning brown.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
• Add artichokes to boiling water, and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain. Squeeze the remaining lemon wedges into a medium bowl. Stir in the olive oil and garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
• Brush the artichokes with a coating of the garlic dip, and place them on the preheated grill. Grill the artichokes for 5 to 10 minutes, basting with dip and turning frequently, until the tips are a little charred. Serve immediately with the remaining dip.

GRILLED BABY EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Slice off the green tops and cut the eggplants in half. Score in a criss-cross pattern using a knife. Salt and leave the eggplants for one hour. Pat dry.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Sprinkle the eggplant with garlic and breadcrumbs. Place the eggplants in an oiled baking tin. Trickle on the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake the eggplants for 20 to 30 minutes or until they are soft and golden. Sprinkle with basil and serve at room temperature.

ARTICHOKE AND EGGPLANT PANINI

Steps:

• Prepare a gas grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat; see grilling procedure .
• Pulse artichokes, mayonnaise, capers, and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
• Trim off a thin slice from 2 opposite long sides of eggplant, then cut eggplant lengthwise into 4 (1/3-inch-thick) slices. Brush both sides of slices with 2 tablespoons oil (total) and season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
• Grill eggplant slices, covered, turning once and brushing grilled sides with 1 tablespoon oil (total), until golden-brown and tender, about 4 minutes, then transfer to a tray.
• Brush both sides of bread with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and grill, covered, without turning, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes.
• Top each of 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, with cheese and an eggplant slice. Spread artichoke mixture on remaining 4 bread slices, grilled sides up, then assemble sandwiches.
• Put sandwiches on grill and press down with a metal spatula, then grill, turning once, until heated through and grill marks appear, about 4 minutes total.