I know that Labor Day isn’t the official end of summer, but it always feels like it to me. It always seems to signal the end of summer barbecues, pools parties, those casual outdoor moments with friends when the air is still warm, the beer is cold and the laughter is plentiful.
I hope you are able to take a little time this holiday weekend and bask in those last fleeting summer moments and then be sure to come back next week when I will share with you Emily’s Magical Woodland Fairy Party!
But before I sign off, I wanted to leave you with this wonderful super simple side dish recipe from Bon Appetit. It truly is delicious (people who don’t usually eat eggplant have even ventured to declare it “yummy!”) And best of all, it can be made ahead (like 4 hours ahead!) and served at room temperature.
Sesame Eggplant with Green Onions
This simple side dish can be served warm or at room temperature. To make sure the eggplant is not undercooked, keep an eye on the grill and move the eggplant around as needed.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 5 large green onions; 4 coarsely chopped, 1 thinly sliced for garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 eggplants (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Preparation
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Puree olive oil, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in blender. Transfer mixture to small bowl. Stir in sesame seeds; season mixture with pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
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Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Generously brush 1 side of each eggplant slice with green onion mixture. Place eggplant slices, seasoned side down, on grill. Brush tops of eggplant slices with green onion mixture. Cook until tender and charred in spots, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions; serve warm or at room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2007/06/sesame_eggplant_with_green_onions#ixzz0yRG7tCPh
Photo credits: (top row) Gwynn Wasson, Punchstock, (second row) Gwynn Wasson, Country Living, Gwynn Wasson, Martha Stewart, (third row) Souvlaki For The Soul, Once Wed, (fourth row) Souvlaki For The Soul, Chad Burkey, Homes and Property
This sounds so good! Thanks for stopping by and visiting me on my SITS day!
Oh may have to get cooking!