Smoky Eggplant With Whipped Ricotta & Pistachios
Irene Yoo
Photo by Ty Mecham. Prop Stylist: Molly Fitzsimons. Food Stylist: Kate Buckens.
- Serves
- 4
- Prep Time
- 10 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 45 Minutes
Whenever I fire up the grill, I like to throw a big eggplant on the side to cook slowly alongside my main meats. It takes some time, but will ultimately give way to smoky, creamy goodness. Whipping ricotta (like BelGioioso’s Ricotta con Latte®) is a surprisingly effortless trick that takes this dish to the next level, with added crunch-factor from roasted pistachios and a dusting of sumac for citrusy brightness. Serve it as an appetizer with bread or pita, or as a vegetable side with dinner—I guarantee you won’t be able to stop scooping it up!
Ingredients
- 1 large Italian eggplant (1 to 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 8 ounce BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte® cheese
- Juice from ¼ lemon
- 3 ounce grated BelGioioso Romano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon sumac (or lemon zest from ½ lemon)
- 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
Featured Video
Smoky Eggplant With Whipped Ricotta & Pistachios
This recipe is shared in partnership with BelGioioso Cheese.
Directions
- Step 1
Prepare the grill at medium-low heat (or preheat your oven to 450°F). Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise, and cover all over with vegetable oil. Sprinkle the cut sides with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Grill the eggplant halves cut-side down for 45 minutes (or cut-side up in the oven), until well browned and softened; the eggplant should be easily pierced with a knife.
- Step 2
While the eggplant is grilling, whip the ricotta with a hand mixer for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy (almost like whipped cream). Add in the lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon salt, and mix to combine. Set aside.
- Step 3
Once the eggplant is cool enough to handle, cut it into ½-inch slices.
- Step 4
To serve, spoon the whipped ricotta on a large serving platter and spread it around with the back of a spoon, then sprinkle with the grated Romano cheese. Top with eggplant slices. Sprinkle with sumac and chopped pistachios, and enjoy.