Polish Grilled Eggplant with Sour Cream

Introduction

Grilled eggplant is a staple in Polish cuisine, and when cooked on the Arteflame grill, it gets that perfect smoky char with a creamy, tangy sour cream topping. This dish is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it an excellent side or vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
3. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the eggplant

1. Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with melted butter.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Grill the eggplant

1. Place the eggplant slices on the flat cooktop griddle near the hotter center zone.
2. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the sour cream topping

1. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the grilled eggplant slices from the grill.
2. Top each slice with a dollop of the prepared sour cream mixture.
3. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve warm.

Tips

• Use fresh, firm eggplants for the best texture.
• Grill the eggplant closer to the center of the cooktop for a better char.
• Let the sour cream mixture sit for a few minutes to develop deeper flavors.
• Serve immediately for the best taste.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sour cream mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Butter Infusion: Mix roasted garlic into the melted butter before brushing the eggplant.
3. Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle Parmesan or feta cheese over the eggplant just before serving.
4. Smoky Paprika Twist: Add smoked paprika to the butter for a deeper smoky flavor.
5. Herb Lover’s Mix: Mix in chopped parsley and chives along with dill for more fresh herb flavors.

Best pairings

• Grilled kielbasa sausage
• Warm rye bread
• Polish cucumber salad
• Roasted garlic potatoes
• A glass of dry white wine or light beer

Conclusion

Grilled eggplant with sour cream is an easy yet flavorful Polish dish. Cooking it on an Arteflame grill gives it a perfect smoky sear that enhances the creamy topping. This dish is versatile and can be customized with different flavors, making it a favorite for any occasion.