Preheat grill to high. If using a grill pan, place it over high heat on the stove.
Dry the eggplant by patting with a paper towel.
Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and place on the grill.
Cook until dark grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
While the eggplant cools, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a medium size bowl.
Construct the salad by stacking or layering components: eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, eggplant.
Spoon vinaigrette over and around the salad and garnish with basil.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
How To Disgorge An Eggplant:
Eggplants are a loaded with water. In order to concentrate their flavor, place eggplant slices on a paper towel and lightly salt them. This will force the eggplant to secrete water while absorbing the salt, known as disgorging. Since there is less moisture in a disgorged eggplant, it won’t end up soggy on the grill! Be sure to implement this neat trick about one hour prior to using the eggplant.
In a wok or saucepan over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil and swirl to coat wok. When wok is hot, add eggplant in a single layer.
Cook 2 minutes and flip each piece over so they cook evenly. Cook another 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally. The eggplant should have changed in color, the skin wrinkled and the flesh soft.
Push eggplant aside in wok and add 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Add garlic, peppers, ginger and green onion. Stir these aromatics until they become fragrant.
Combine aromatics with eggplant and stir-fry for one minute.
Add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and sugar and stir to combine all. Serve immediately and ENJOY!
Toss the parsnips and apple in a bowl with 1 Tbsp oil, sea salt and black pepper. Spread evenly onto a foil-lined bake sheet and roast until fork tender, about 20- 25 minutes.
To make the Pecan Gremelota, toss the shaved Brussels in a small bowl with the pecans, parsley, pomegranate seeds, lemon juice and zest, plus 1 Tbsp olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Transfer the parsnips and apples to a blender. Add the stock and puree until smooth. Add the maple, and season with more salt and pepper. Pour soup into a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
To serve, spoon into bowls and season with gremolata.
