Grilling turns the rather spongy, bland eggplant into something utterly succulent. Made with firm-fleshed, freshly picked eggplant, these bruschettas, although simple, are loaded with flavor.
If you've never made your own ricotta, make sure to give it a try. It'll only take a few minutes and your bruschettas will be transformed!
A few simple ingredients becoming gorgeous mouthfuls... My favorite way to cook summer fare.
Bruschetta with Ricotta, Grilled Eggplant and Fresh Mint
Makes 8 bruschettas or 4 servings
Active time: 20 min
For the eggplants
4 baby eggplants (1 lb) (455 g) - ends trimmed and each cut lengthwise in 4″ x 1/4" slices
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt to taste
For the bruschettas
8 slices ciabatta or other light, crusty country bread - about 1″ thick
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
16 large fresh mint leaves cut en chiffonade
Preheat gas grill to medium-high heat or prepare charcoal grill.
Step 1: Lightly brush the eggplant slices with the olive oil and lay on a jellyroll pan. When the grill is ready, place slices directly on the grill and grill until grill marks appear and slices are nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Transfer slices back to the jellyroll pan and sprinkle with salt. When slices are cool enough to handle, cut in 1/4" dices, place in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: When ready to serve (do not prepare these ahead of time as the bread will get soggy), grill the bread slices on both sides until grill marks appear, or place under the broiler until golden-brown. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons of ricotta and spread the cheese evenly over the surface of the bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with the chopped grilled eggplant. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with the mint chiffonade. Serve immediately.
Cook's note: If you don't have a grill, you can roast the eggplant slices in a 500ºF (260ºC) pre-heated oven for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the slices are golden-brown.