One of my favorite vegetables is eggplant (available all year).  So simple to prepare and a delicious side or meal.

I like to grill eggplant with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh mint.  In this recipe, I cubed one eggplant (leaving the skin) and grilled in the oven (10-15 minutes), until tender.

In a bowl, add some chopped fresh basil, pitted kalamata olives (1/2 cup), 1/2 cup of julienne sun dried tomatoes.  Add a pinch of red chili flakes (optional), drizzle extra virgin olive oil (or 3 tbsp.).  Squeeze a fresh lemon and rind 1tbsp. of lemon.

Mix and ready to serve!  A perfect side for your favorite grilled fish, chicken or meat.  Adding goat cheese for a vegetarian meal is also delicious!

a presto,

maria