September 5, 2017

Grilled Eggplant with Goat Cheese Polenta and Basil Pesto

I’m currently experiencing some post-Labor Day Weekend blues. It’s really starting to sink into my brain that Summer is wrapping up. And frankly, I’m not ready for that to happen.

I still have so much ice cream to eat!!!

Luckily, there is still an abundance of late Summer produce to be enjoyed. And that’s helping to elevate my mood. I know people are going crazy for pumpkin-everything right now. But here in New England, early September is one of the best times for local produce like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, corn and more! So I’m diving headfirst into all of these things.

Last week, I found the most precious baby eggplants at the farmer’s market and I knew instantly that I wanted them to become the focus of my September Eat Seasonal recipe post. So I grilled them up and served them on top of a creamy bed of goat cheese polenta. And then I finished off the dish with some homemade basil pesto and a handful of sliced plum tomatoes. It’s a recipe that totally celebrates Summer. But also has a bit of a “cozy” feel, too. In the past, I’ve treated polenta as one of those food items that I only make and eat during the cooler months. But now, I’m really digging this version with its Summery spin! And I can see myself using it more frequently in my kitchen throughout the entire year.

The other great thing about this recipe for Grilled Eggplant with Goat Cheese Polenta and Basil Pesto is that – for such a hearty dish – it’s relatively fast to prepare. You can have everything done in just about 30 minutes. Which is always a win in my book!

For more September cooking inspiration, check out my friend Becky’s monthly produce guide, which is filled with tons of great recipe suggestions and tips. I hope it will help make your transition into Fall a little bit easier. And if you make any of our #eatseasonal recipes, give us a shout out on social media. We would love to hear about it!

Cheers,

Liz

Get the Recipe:

Grilled Eggplant with Goat Cheese Polenta and Basil Pesto

At a Glance:

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

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Ingredients

For the Pesto:

• 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• About 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the Polenta:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup polenta
• 2 ounces goat cheese
• 1 tsp. salt
• About 1/2 cup milk

For the Eggplant:

• 4 baby eggplant (about 3-5 inches in length)
• 1 tsp. salt
• About 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For Serving:

• Plum or cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. To make the pesto, add the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and salt to the bowl of your food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Then with your food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and process until well combined. Transfer the pesto to a clean container. Cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
2. To make the polenta, bring the water to a boil in a heavy bottom saucepan. Slowly whisk in the polenta and turn down the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook the polenta for 15-17 minutes, whisking frequently so it doesn’t burn. You may have to reduce the heat further as it cooks to prevent the polenta from splattering and bubbling. Once the polenta has thickened and the water is absorbed, whisk in the goat cheese and the salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Then whisk in enough milk to thin it to your desired consistency. Cover to keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, pre-heat your grill to medium-high.
4. Slice the baby eggplants in half lengthwise and sprinkle the cut-sides with the salt. Let sit 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Then pat the surfaces dry with a paper towel. Drizzle the eggplant halves with the olive oil, turning to coat them on all sides. Then add them to your pre-heated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until softened and well darkened in places. Remove the eggplant halves from your grill and place them in a large bowl or baking dish. Drizzle with some of the pesto while they are still warm.
5. To serve, divide the polenta between bowls. Top with the grilled eggplant halves, tomatoes and additional pesto, if desired. Serve immediately.

September Eat Seasonal Recipes

Small Batch Cherry Tomato Jam by Flavor the Moments

Hazelnut Zucchini Bread by Vintage Mixer

Balsamic Sausage Tortellini Bake by JoyFoodSunshine

Baked Enchilada Style Veggie Burritos by She Likes Food

Peach and Tomato Salsa with Pan Seared Tofu by Letty’s Kitchen

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