Grilled Eggplant and Tomato Salad

By Mbakalarski

A great summer salad reciped from Sunset Magazine.

Ingredients

• 2 About 2 tbsp. plus 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
• 3 eggplant (3 lbs. total)
• 4 firm-ripe tomatoes, cut crosswise into 1/2-in. slices
• 1 About 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup mint leaves, divided
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from find.myrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a bowl, dissolve 2 tbsp. salt in 3 qts. water. Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/2-in. slices. Put slices in salted water; top with a plate or pot lid to submerge. Let sit 30 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium heat (350° to 450°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 5 to 7 seconds). Drain eggplant on a kitchen towel. Arrange eggplant and tomatoes on a baking sheet. Brush all over with 1/2 cup oil.

3. Grill tomatoes, covered, turning once, until grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Grill eggplant (in batches if necessary), covered, turning occasionally, until browned all over and tender to the bite, 5 to 8 minutes. Arrange on a large platter.

5. In a blender or food processor, purée remaining 1/2 cup olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 cup mint leaves, the garlic, remaining 1/2 tsp. salt, the pepper, and mustard.

6. Drizzle three-fourths of dressing over eggplant. Arrange tomatoes on eggplant, drizzle them with remaining dressing, and top with remaining 1/2 cup mint. Season to taste with more salt.

Make ahead: Prepare recipe through step 5 up to 3 hours ahead, cover, and hold at room temperature. Assemble just before serving.