Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, and this Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese recipe is no exception. It’s a delightful combination of fresh eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, all topped with melted cheese. The addition of garlic and soy sauce brings a unique twist to the dish, while Provencal herbs and basil provide a fragrant, aromatic touch. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a vegetarian main course, this recipe is perfect for enjoying the natural flavors of vegetables, enhanced with a Mediterranean flair.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

To make this flavorful Mediterranean dish, you’ll need the following:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 zucchini
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 shallot
• 100 grams of cheese (mozzarella, feta, or your choice of melting cheese)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Provencal herbs (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Soy sauce (2-3 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for grilling)

Steps to Prepare Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Eggplants: Wash the eggplants and slice them into 1 cm thick rounds. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to remove any bitterness. After 15 minutes, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and slice it into rounds about the same thickness as the eggplant for even cooking.
3. Peppers: Slice the red and yellow peppers into strips after removing the seeds and core.
4. Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into thick slices.
5. Shallot: Slice the shallot thinly. Its mild flavor will complement the grilled vegetables perfectly.
6. Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and shallots.
2. Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Provencal herbs to the vegetables. Toss them well to coat evenly with the seasonings.
3. Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the vegetables, which will enhance their savory flavor.
4. Let the vegetables marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Grill the Vegetables

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill surface to prevent sticking.
2. Once the grill is hot, arrange the marinated vegetables on the grill. Be sure to grill in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Grill each side of the vegetables for 3-5 minutes or until they develop nice grill marks and are tender but not overly soft. The eggplant and peppers may take a bit longer than the zucchini and tomatoes.
4. Once the vegetables are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a large baking dish or tray.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or set your grill to a low setting.
2. Grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over the grilled vegetables. Mozzarella works well for a melty, creamy finish, while feta will add a tangy, salty flavor if you’re looking for something different.
3. Place the vegetables in the oven or under the grill for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the grilled vegetables warm as a main dish, side, or even an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese recipe is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option:

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 7g
• Vitamin C: 95% of the daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 15% of the daily recommended intake

These grilled vegetables are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C and Vitamin A from the peppers and tomatoes, as well as fiber from the eggplant and zucchini. The cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, making this dish both nutritious and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, this recipe is versatile, and you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Mozzarella, feta, parmesan, or even a mix of cheeses like gouda or cheddar will work well depending on your taste preferences.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   • Absolutely! Simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Ensure that the butter or oil used is plant-based as well.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can grill the vegetables in advance and reheat them just before serving. Add the cheese when you’re ready to serve so it melts fresh.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
   • You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. Grilling these with the same seasonings will elevate the flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables

1. Cut the vegetables evenly: For even cooking, ensure that all vegetables are cut to a similar thickness, especially the eggplants and zucchini. This ensures that everything cooks at the same time.
2. Use fresh herbs: While dried Provencal herbs are great for seasoning, adding fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme after grilling adds a fresh burst of flavor and aroma.
3. Don’t overcook the vegetables: Grilled vegetables should be tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy.
4. Enhance flavor with soy sauce: The addition of soy sauce not only deepens the savory flavor but also provides a slight umami kick, balancing the sweetness of the grilled vegetables.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet before serving.
• Freezing: While grilled vegetables can be frozen, their texture may change slightly when thawed. If you plan to freeze them, it’s best to do so without the cheese. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then add fresh cheese before serving.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables with Cheese is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings the best of the Mediterranean diet to your table. The combination of grilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes with melted cheese and fresh herbs makes for a mouthwatering meal or side dish. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses, and it pairs well with a variety of main courses. With easy preparation and vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!