You can grill the eggplant rounds up to a day in advance, then assemble the eggplant, tomato and mozzarella “stacks” at the last minute. To make the eggplant and tomato stacks look symmetrical, use eggplant and tomatoes with approximately the same diameter.
Ingredients (6 servings)
2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium eggplant ( ¾-1 pound), cut into 6 rounds about ½ inch thick
½ teaspoon coarse salt, divided
6 teaspoons prepared pesto
2 large beefsteak tomatoes, each cut into 3 slices about ¾ inch thick
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 6 thin slices
6 fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preparation
- Preheat grill to medium-high or place a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
- Use 2 teaspoons oil to brush both sides of eggplant slices; sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Grill the eggplant slices for 5 minutes. Turn; continue grilling until tender and marked with grill lines, 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a large platter.
- Spread each eggplant slice with 1 teaspoon pesto. Top with a slice of tomato, a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf.
- Drizzle vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over the towers; sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition information
- Per serving: 145 calories; 11 g fat(4 g sat); 2 g fiber; 7 g carbohydrates; 6 g protein; 23 mcg folate; 17 mg cholesterol; 4 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 695 IU vitamin A; 10 mg vitamin C; 144 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 323 mg sodium; 307 mg potassium
From: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2010