This Spanish-themed salad showcases the sweet smokiness of grilled eggplant. Like most grilled vegetables, eggplant can be served at room temperature or warm. If you find several varieties of eggplant – they come in myriad sizes and colors – this is the time to try them out. To experience the full flavor of this salad, use Spanish ingredients: mild-flavored, smooth sheep-milk Manchego cheese and smoky paprika. If you can’t find them, substitute Parmigiano-Reggiano and Hungarian paprika.
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
2 small eggplants (about 1 pound total)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Olive oil cooking spray
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 small plum tomato, diced
1 small clove garlic, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
3 cups mixed baby salad greens
2 ounces Manchego cheese, cut into thin curls with a vegetable peeler
Preparation
1. Preheat grill to medium.
2. Cut stripes in each eggplant’s peel by running a vegetable peeler down the length of it and repeating at about 1-inch intervals. Slice the eggplants into rounds 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Lay them on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
3. Blot the eggplant slices with paper towels and lightly coat both sides with olive oil spray. Grill the eggplant, flipping halfway through, until soft and caramelized on both sides, 9-11 minutes total.
4. Purée oil, vinegar, tomato, garlic, paprika and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender until well combined.
5. Toss salad greens with half the vinaigrette in a medium bowl. Arrange the eggplant slices on 6 salad plates. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Place the salad greens over and between the eggplant slices, then scatter the cheese curls on top of each salad. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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