6.30.2010

grilled eggplant with warm greek-style quinoa salad

Geez! Talk about waiting until the last minute! Joanne has had her Regional Recipes-Greece challenge up for a whole month and tonight at midnight (an hour and fifteen minutes from right now!) is the deadline to get a recipe in! Ugh! I did the same darn thing last month with the Vietnam challenge. Oh well, better late than never! ;)

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I have been trying for some time now to fall in love with eggplant. I've tried it every which way, except this way, and haven't really been too thrilled. Well, after this recipe I can honestly say, I'm in LIKE with eggplant now.

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Grilling the eggplant really brings a nice smoky flavor and the quinoa salad with the lemon, feta, kalamata olives, tomato, garlic, onion and oregano is full of zip. Together this recipe is a winning combination of texture and flavor.

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Grilled Eggplant with Warm Greek-Style Quinoa Salad
by theUngourmet -salad inspired by Shape magazine

serves 4

4 1 inch slices of eggplant
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 tbsp olive oil
juice from 1 lemon
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup chopped tomato
1/2 sweet onion, sliced
3 oz crumbled feta
salt and pepper

Rinse the quinoa. Place water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Cook for 15 minutes until almost translucent. Allow to cool slightly. In a small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, oregano and garlic. In a medium bowl toss the quinoa and dressing with the remaining ingredients.

Grill the eggplant about 4-5 minutes turning once. Grill the onion slices until nicely browned but still firm and add to the salad.

Serve warm salad over grilled eggplant.

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I actually really enjoyed this recipe and will most definitely make it again. I am submitting this to Joanne for Regional Recipes-Greece.

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35 comments:

Allyson said...

I have the same issue with eggplant. I think I've had one too many soggy eggplant parmesan dishes and it's left a nasty taste in my mouth. Plus, it is NOT something that reheats well. But if you say this will cause me to fall in "like"...I will give it a go. ;)

Joanne said...

Thank you SO much for this! i adore eggplant, ESPECIALLY grilled. That quinoa salad looks like the perfect pairing for it.

Bo said...

I have had a few bad quinoa experiences. but this looks so delicious...I might be up for trying it again.

TKW said...

Looks gorgeous! Quinoa and I don't get along, but I think I'll substitute wheat berries or barley. Delish!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Wow - that is amazing. I have to say I don't have much experience with eggplant. Beautiful presentation!

You really should try out for Top Chef!

XOXO
jen

Mami said...

I has just learnt Greek style eggplant!! Thank you!!I'll try it right now for today.

♥peachkins♥ said...

It looks wonderful! I love eggplants too!

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

OH this looks amazing. You are a shoe-in to win.

Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Chiara "Kika" Assi said...

That's so pretty and it sounds really good too! I love eggplants and I love quinoa, so I can't go wrong with this recipe!

Pam said...

Oh, love that eggplant and I must try this. It sounds delicious! It's a great unique recipe!

Angie's Recipes said...

Love your grilled eggplant, esp. when it's topped with one of my favourite ingredient: quinoa. Just perfect.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This is a gorgeous way to enjoy eggplantim. Thanks for the inspiration:D

Randi Troxell said...

wow! what a beautiful dish.. and i think i would so love to try this!

nora@ffr said...

eggplant.. among my fav :) specially the grilled version!! oh yeah and the toping of quinoa :D sweeettt!! yummmm!!!
cheers!! and have a great weekend

Faith said...

Yay, I'm glad you like eggplant now! I'm still trying to convert my hubby (who doesn't like it at all). I bet this delicious recipe will win him over! ;)

pigpigscorner said...

yum...love eggplant! I've never had it in a salad before though, interesting!

Heather S-G said...

How uncanny...this looks almost exactly like an eggplant dish I did a couple of weeks ago, only I used couscous! LOL!! Sounds delicious =)

Jen said...

I want this!!!!

Krista said...

I feel the same way about eggplant...even when it's fried...and I can eat just about anything if it's fried. Gorgeous pictures! It looks really good.

Natalie said...

ok ms. ungourmet, this looks SERIOUSLY gourmet! I want to serve to company!!!

Cathy said...

Fantastic, Kim. I should be eating more of this kind of food instead of things like a braut on a bun and cheeseburgers. This is the best way to enjoy eggplant.

Have a great 4th.

Debbie said...

Well, yum! And yes, eggplant is always difficult. But I love it.

Susan said...

Good Morning!

Your pictures always make me so HUNGRY!!! :-) BUt you give yummy recipes to take care of that. Thank You!

How have you been? I just wanted to let you that I a link on my blog ( myhookandI) for a Yankee Candle coupon that can be printed out if you want to..
My favorite scent is Home Sweet home... for now anyway...:-)

Have fun shopping!

~ Susan

Unknown said...

Great eggplant dish. Gosh, I love eggplants. Have you ever tried babaganoush (not sure of the spelling), its awesome.
anyways, just dropping by to wish you a fabulous 4th.
*kisses* HH

The Blonde Duck said...

Yum! I'm all into Greek style food lately.

Reeni said...

I have a love/hate relationship with eggplant - depending on how it's prepared. This looks excellent! I love the idea of salad-topped eggplant! Happy 4th - have a great weekend!

jacqueline said...

I love grilled eggplant!! This is such a yummie yummie recipe!! I don't have a grill at home and wil have to look for another way to make this! Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to yoU!

Megan said...

That is quite the presentation. Beautiful!

sweetlife said...

oh I love, I mean LIKE eggplant also...great presenation and the greek salad just makes me want to make this dish even more, great add to joanne's round up

sweetlife

Magic of Spice said...

Beautiful dish...love the flavors!

FOODESSA said...

This is the perfect trio for me. A side of salad and I'm satisfied.
BTW...my favourite eggplant doesn't pass the markets often...it's the Sicilian eggplant...and it's really worth looking for it;o)
Thanks for sharing and flavourful wishes, Claudia

Simply Life said...

yum! what a great idea!

Marisa said...

Beautiful presentation and a classic combo of Greek flavours. Love it.

Molly Page said...

It's my first visit to your blog and I'm already hooked! (In fact, I'm your newest follower)

I'm in love with eggplant and have recently developed a love for quinoa. So this recipe is a win, win for me.

Molly Page said...

Ummm, I'm back to let you know that I linked to this recipe on my blog today because YUMMO

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