Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This mouthwatering Grilled Baby Eggplant with Turkey Sausage and Tomatoes recipe is about to become your new summer grilling obsession. Imagine tender, charred eggplant slices, juicy turkey sausage meatballs, and blistered cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor in every single bite. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or a grilling enthusiast, this dish promises to elevate your meal from simple to spectacular in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 baby eggplants
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Wash the baby eggplants and trim off the stems. Cut them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Remove the turkey sausage from its casing and form into small, bite-sized meatballs. Ensure they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Place the turkey sausage meatballs on the grill first, cooking for about 8-10 minutes. Rotate them occasionally to ensure they are browned evenly and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- After the meatballs are nearly done, place the eggplant slices on the grill. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop nice char marks and become tender.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, add the whole cherry tomatoes to the grill. Grill them just until they start to blister and soften.
- Remove the eggplant, sausage meatballs, and tomatoes from the grill. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Arrange the grilled eggplant slices on a serving platter, top with the turkey sausage meatballs, and scatter the grilled cherry tomatoes around.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat (400-450°F) for optimal charring and cooking.
- Always clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that turkey sausage meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Cut eggplant slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Let meats and vegetables rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano as a finishing touch.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe can be easily adapted to a grill pan or broiler.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
