If you're looking for an easy vegetable side dish for a summer barbecue, consider learning how to grill eggplant. It has long been used as a side dish as well as ingredient in ethnic cooking because not only does it compliment any cuisine, it also absorbs flavors well, cooks quickly on the grill, and is a suitable accompaniment to most grilled meats. Grilled eggplant is a simple dish, which can be prepared in just minutes. After you've mastered the basics, feel free to let your creative juices run loose, tailoring the seasonings to compliment the rest of your meal.

Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, as is the tomato, sweet pepper and potato. It is considered a fruit and botanically classified as a berry. Grow similarly to tomatoes, eggplant plants stand several feet tall and favor the same conditions as tomatoes, making them equally significant in the Mediterranean diet.http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/products/articles/eggplant-or-aubergine-history/ Our consumption of the eggplant dates as far back as Babylon and as far away as China. Babylon remains the keeper of the eggplant as Turkey remains a large producer and is a major exporter.http://www.public.iastate.edu/~pellack/Eggplant.htm Aside from grilling, it can be steamed, baked, fried, dried, or broiled. Eggplant is also appropriate for making Vegiforms.

There is some basic equipment which is necessary for grilling eggplant. One large eggplant will serve 4 people. Prepare paper towels, a gas or charcoal grill, a pie dish, a pastry brush, a mixing spoon and a [[long handled spatula. Now that the tools are prepared, assemble the ingredients. A basic recipe calls for salt, lemon juice, garlic, and ground pepper.http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1750,154190-247195,00.html However additional ingredients, such as balsamic vinegar, oregano, prosciutto, yogurt, peppers flakes, basil and coriander are also befitting seasonings.

Cut the eggplant into slices which are 1/2 inch thick, either crosswise or lengthwise. Sprinkle the eggplant liberally with salt, and allow it to drain into the paper towels for at least an hour. In the pie dish, mix together the remaining ingredients. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Pat the eggplant dry and place atop the ingredients in the pie dish. Now flip it ensuring that each side of the slices is covered in the mixture. Place the slices on the grill and cook for about seven minutes. Check the eggplant consistently and adjust the temperature accordingly. Flip and brush the slices often to prevent the eggplant from burning and grill until soft and tender.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grilled-Eggplant-Tomato-and-Goat-Cheese/Detail.aspx

With eggplant's versatility, there are several ingredient substitutions which can be made to adapt the eggplant to a meal or culture. Italian dressing or butter can easily substitute oil and spices can be interchanged. Although tropical eggplants look somewhat different, they are used in much the same way as the broader variety. A popular Chinese flavoring is ginger which also lends itself to the versatile eggplant. If you'd like to venture beyond basic grilled eggplant, consider some variations. What you marinate and grill your eggplant with will make a big difference. consider opposing flavors like honey and garlic or brown sugar and pepper.http://beyondsalmon.blogspot.com/2006/09/honey-garlic-grilled-eggplant.html Another interesting twist is to add a layer... of bread. Grill both the eggplant and the bread slices then assemble with a slice of cheese. Continue to grill until the cheese is melted and you have a panini.http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/health/nutrition/03recipehealth.html?_r=1 Depending on your taste, you may also like to add fresh mint, parsley, marjoram and basil leaves, or drizzle with a vinaigrette. Eggplant likes company so toss it with some lentils or chick peas. Or use it in a bean salad. It's absorbency will help carry a dressing, and it won't disrupt the subtle bean flavor. Use a delicate cheese like feta to finish the dish.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/28/earlyshow/contributors/bobbyflay/main2991638.shtml

Another option is to steam sliced eggplant then dredge through a combination of sugar, water ,vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and red pepper flakes, and grill, turning frequently, until soft.ref.http://www.andreasrecipes.com/2008/09/18/grilled-chinese-eggplant-with-garlic-and-ginger-sauce/</ref> Use the remaining ginger mixture as a sauce for the eggplant or for tofu or rice. A simpler Asian eggplant recipe is vegetable stir fry with grilled eggplant.

Grilled eggplant is also fitting in a cold salad such as Baba Ganous or Tabouli. It functions as a sandwich fixing, atop a burger, or as a substitute burger. Fry breaded eggplant cutlets for use in eggplant Parmesan, or for a vegetarian alternative to a meat cutlet. Eat it raw for it's nutritional value and high vitamin content.http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2858/2 Try it on a pizza, in a Calzone or Stromboli. Serve it like a chip along side some french onion dip or cut it up and adding it to salads which call for apples or other fruit. Or simply grab a slice (grilled or raw) and go.http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2009/07/raw-eggplant-salad.html7