GRILLED LEMONS AND EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC SAUCE

Grilled Lemons and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce image

Provided by Lori Loucas

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 lemon
3 small eggplants
1 Tbsp za'atar
5 Tbsp olive oil, divided use
1 c mint leaves
1 Tbsp sherry vinegar
2 clove garlic, grated
1 c labneh (can sub full fat greek yogurt)

Steps:

1. Turn grill on to medium high. (We use our Cuisinart Griddler, indoors) Lightly oil the grates/grill surface. Meanwhile, slice the onion very thinly and let soak in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drain the onions and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch rounds.
2. In a bowl, toss the eggplant, za'atar and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, coating well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the eggplant until tender and slightly charred, turning frequently. This will take 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool a bit.
3. Meanwhile, slice the lemon very thinly and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. After eggplant is done cooking, grill the lemon slices until charred in a few spots, turning frequently. Takes about 2 mintues, so watch carefully. Transfer to the cutting board and let cool a bit. Cut the slices in half.
4. Place the onions and the lemons in a medium bowl. Gently stir in the mint, sherry vinegar and the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a small bowl, combine the garlic and labneh. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. To serve, spread the labneh onto a serving platter and arrange the eggplant over it. Top with the onion/mint mixture.