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Melanzane Grigliate (Benita's Grilled Egglant) The secret to a fabulous flavor is the vinegrette. Hot and cold attract, so while the eggplant is hot, the cold vinegrette soaks in, giving the eggplant a fresh flavor instead of soaking up just oil! For a nice variation, use mint instead of oregano! 1 or 2 large eggplants Garlic Extra virgin olive oil Red wine vinegar Chili pepper flakes Oregano Salt 1. Slice the eggplant widthwise into 1/2-inch slices. (If your eggplants tend to be bitter, you can layer them in a colander spinkled with sea salt or kosher salt, put a plate on top and weigh them down for about an hour, until the bitter waters are drawn out. Rinse and pat dry.) 2. Prepare a Sicilian vinegrette. Mix 1/4-cup of good red wine vinegar with 1/4-cup extra virgin olive oil, some minced garlic, oregano, and salt. 3. Grill the eggplant on a stove-top grill, barbecue, or sauté in a non-stick skillet using extra virgin olive oil as needed. 4. When the eggplant is cooked, remove from the grill and immediately place in the vinegrette. Turn to dip both sides and place in a serving dish. 5. Once cooked, you can serve the eggplant with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. I always prepare enough to keep in the fridge for sandwiches, antipasti, or snacking. I also like to layer the eggplant with thin slices of garlic and then cover with extra virgin olive oil. When chilis are in season, Benita always uses fresh chili pepper slices on top for an extra kick! Click here to send this recipe to a friend! NEW! Garmugia Watermelon Sorbetto RECIPES Salade de Bœuf à la Parisienne Spaghetti di Vino with Beets Melanzane Grigliate Carciofi Sott'Olio Carciofi Fritti Uove al Diavolo Pesce Finto Green Tomato Pasta Sauce Macedonia di Frutta Fagiolini Mangiatutto Saltati Cinghiale in Dolce Forte Risotto All'Isolana Fettunta Spaghetti di Vino Salame Dolce Cioccolato Caldo Vestri Sugo di Carne Watermelon Ice Osteria Luchin's Polpettone di Patate Federico Bacci's Sage Pesto Frittelle di Riso Romeo Colzi's Ribollita Bollito Misto Yellow Bell Pepper Soup Porcini Pasta Sauce Pappa al Pomodoro Pollo al Mattone Torta di Mele Mimmo's Pasta with Zucchini Erbe Toscane Ricciarelli Tonno e Fagioli Schiacciata con l'uva Panforte Spinaci alla Fiorentina Ribollita Sugo Finto Fagioli all'Olio Panzanella Ravioli Gnudi with Salsa di Noci Arrosto Fiorentino Il peposo alla Fornacina Chicchi Caffè Shakerato Limoncello Nocino Fish in Crazy Water Capresse