Grilled And Baked Aubergine Pizza Recipes

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) AND MUSHROOM PIZZA

Steps:

• Sprinkle eggplant with salt and let sit in a colander for 30 minutes.
• Rinse and pat dry.
• Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the eggplant is tender and lightly browned.
• Let cool.
• Divide pizza dough in half to form two pizzas, or just make one large pizza. Follow directions for dough.
• Spread tomato sauce over each pizza round and sprinkle cheese over the top, dividing if necessary for two smaller pizzas.
• Arrange mushrooms and several eggplant slices over the cheese and sprinkle with fresh or dried oregano.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Follow baking directions for pizza dough.

GRILLED EGGPLANT PIZZA

Steps:

• Prepare the grill and let burn down to medium coals or heat gas grill on medium heat.
• In a colander set over another bowl, salt the eggplant and let drain for 30 minutes then rinse and dry.
• Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with pepper. Toss the peppers with a little olive oil. Place both on the grill and cook the eggplant until browned on the first side, about 3 minutes. The slices should be browned between the grill marks when ready to turn. Move them away from direct heat and cook on the second side until tender, about 10 minutes total. Cut the grilled slices into 1/2-inch dice.
• Cook the peppers, turning as necessary, until charred all over. Remove the peppers to a bowl. Cover and let the peppers steam to loosen the skins. When cool enough to handle, peel, seed, and tear into long, thin strips.
• Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Working on a surface free of flour, roll each ball under your palm. As it rolls, it will stick slightly to the surface, creating tension that helps form a tight, round ball. Dust the work surface lightly with flour, pat each ball down lightly, dust the tops with flour, cover with a towel, and let rise for about 15 minutes. With a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a circle 8 or 9 inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick.
• Have the grill ready at medium heat. Have the 1/4 cup olive oil, eggplant, peppers, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, if using, olives, and cheese in bowls and ready by the side of the grill.
• Brush each dough round with about 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Place on the grill, oiled side up, and cook until browned on the underside, about 2 minutes. Turn and, working quickly, brush each round with another 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then scatter each with 1/6 each of the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, if using, eggplant, bell peppers, olives, and cheese. Cover the grill and cook until the rounds are browned on the bottom and the cheese has softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer to plates and top each with an equal amount of the arugula. Spritz lightly with vinegar. Serve immediately.

GRILLED AND BAKED AUBERGINE 'PIZZA'

Steps:

• First you need to brush each side of the aubergines with olive oil and then grill them over a medium heat until they have just started to char but are still firm. You don't want to over cook them at this stage. You can also do this on a griddle pan in your kitchen.
• Once they are grilled set them aside on a baking tray and start adding the layers of topping, starting with a thin layer of tomato sauce, then add the cheeses and the other toppings. Bake for about 8 - 10 minutes at 180C and until the cheese starts bubbling.
• Move to oven mode and set the temperature to 180 C. Place the aubergine slices on a round pizza baking pan and bake for around 10 - 15 minutes until the cheese and sauces is bubbling and turning brown.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and serve with a simple mixed green salad or salad leaves and or fresh basil leaves scattered over the top.
• Serve with olive oil and salad