How long can I store leftovers?

You can store the eggplant rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, the eggplant can be grilled and filled a day ahead, but add the dressing and garnish just before serving.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

Feta cheese or ricotta make excellent substitutes if desired.

Are there any vegan substitutes for this dish?

Yes, use a vegan cream cheese and omit the honey in the dressing; replace with agave syrup if needed.

Can I bake the eggplant instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway.

Fragrant Lebanese Sumac-Dusted Grilled Eggplant Rolls with Goat Cheese

Name: Fragrant Lebanese Sumac-Dusted Grilled Eggplant Rolls with Goat Cheese
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Eggplants; Olive oil; Ground sumac; Salt; Black pepper; Goat cheese; Parsley; Garlic; Lemon zest; Extra-virgin olive oil; Lemon juice; Honey; Salt; Fresh parsley leaves; Pomegranate seeds

A Mediterranean Delight with a Citrus Kick

Experience the fusion of creamy goat cheese rolled into smoky eggplant slices, perfectly accented with the lemony tang of sumac.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

Eggplant Rolls

Eggplants

2 large, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices

Olive oil

3 tablespoons

Ground sumac

1 tablespoon

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Goat Cheese Filling

Goat cheese

200g, softened

Parsley

1/4 cup, finely chopped

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Lemon zest

Zest of 1 lemon

Dressing

Extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons

Honey

1 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley leaves

Pomegranate seeds

Preparation

Marinating the Eggplants

Salt the eggplants

Lay the eggplant slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt.

Draw out moisture

Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

Dry and season

Pat dry with a clean towel, then brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with sumac and pepper.

Ensure eggplant slices are completely dry before grilling to achieve optimal texture.

Preparing the Goat Cheese Filling

Combine ingredients

In a bowl, combine goat cheese, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest.

Mix until smooth

Mix until smooth and slightly whipped.

Chill the filling

Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.

Add a pinch of chili flakes to the goat cheese filling for an extra kick.

Cooking Process

Grill the eggplants

Preheat the grill to medium-high and grill eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side or until tender and marked with grill lines.

Roll the eggplants

Spread a spoonful of goat cheese filling over each slice, then roll tightly.

Drizzle the dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Pour over the eggplant rolls before serving.

Plating & Serving