Smoky grilled eggplant with tahini and pomegranate
Grilled Eggplant
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
8 slices
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Grilled Eggplant
Smoky grilled eggplant with tahini and pomegranate
★4.4(17)
Thick eggplant slices grilled until creamy inside and smoky outside, drizzled with tahini and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. A Middle Eastern-inspired showstopper.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Eggplant is transformed by the grill—the flesh becomes silky and custard-like while the skin chars for smoky depth. A drizzle of tahini and pop of pomegranate elevate it from side dish to centerpiece.
Mediterranean cooking celebrates fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavors. This recipe embodies that philosophy with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Mediterranean cooking celebrates the connection between good food and good living. Grilled Eggplant embodies that spirit with bright, fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients that nourish as much as they satisfy. This recipe proves that eating well does not require complicated techniques — just quality ingredients and a little care.
The best side dishes complement without competing. They should add contrast to the main course — something bright alongside something rich, something crunchy alongside something soft. Think about the whole plate when you cook, and your meals will feel more complete and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, sliced 3/4 inch thick
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- Fresh mint and flaky sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Salt eggplant slices and let sit 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry and brush with olive oil.
- 2
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- 3
Grill eggplant 4-5 minutes per side until deeply charred and creamy inside.
- 4
Whisk tahini with lemon juice and a splash of water until smooth and drizzly.
- 5
Arrange eggplant on a platter, drizzle with tahini, and scatter pomegranate seeds, mint, and flaky salt.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
TahiniGreek yogurt or labneh
Creamier and tangier alternative
Pomegranate seedsToasted pine nuts
Adds crunch instead of fruity pop
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Tahini
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the tahini matters
Tahini can make or break texture. A smoother, better-balanced jar gives you creaminess without bitterness or a stubborn split texture.
This is one of the ingredients where texture quality shows up fast.
- Smoother texture in dressings and sauces
- Useful in dips, cookies, and grain bowls
A good tahini jar pays off well beyond a single recipe.
Shop tahini for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Salting first draws out bitter moisture and prevents the eggplant from soaking up too much oil.
Choose eggplants that are heavy for their size with smooth, taut skin.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Excellent served at room temperature.
Reheating
Best at room temperature. Warm briefly on the grill if desired.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Season assertively. Side dishes that taste perfectly seasoned on their own will complement the main course rather than fading into the background.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories160
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein4g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat12g
Fiber240mg
Sugar5g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to peel the eggplant?
- No—the skin holds the slices together on the grill and adds nice texture when charred.
- Why salt eggplant first?
- It draws out excess moisture and any bitterness, and helps the eggplant hold its shape.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. Most side dishes hold well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Can I double this recipe?
- This scales easily. Use a larger sheet pan or cooking vessel to avoid crowding, which leads to steaming rather than browning. You may need to increase cooking time by a few minutes.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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