Coal Roasted Eggplants Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Cut the stem and calyx off the eggplant, and cut in half lengthwise. Score large eggplants down the middle with the tip of a knife, being careful not to cut through the skin. (Japanese eggplants and other small eggplants needn't be scored.)
• Cover a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with extra virgin olive oil. Place the eggplant on the foil, cut side down. Place in the oven and roast large, fat eggplants for 20 to 25 minutes (depending on the size). Roast small narrow Japanese eggplants (and other varieties) for 15 minutes, or until the skin has begun to shrivel, the edges and cut surface are browned, and the eggplant has softened but it hasn't collapsed.
• Remove from the oven and use a spatula to detach from the foil if the eggplant is sticking (if a thin surface of browned eggplant stays behind, don't worry). Place the eggplant halves cut side down on a rack set over a baking sheet, or in a colander. Allow to cool and drain for 15 to 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Prepare a charcoal grill with a hot bed of coals for indirect cooking. The coals are ready when they are ashed over and glowing.
• Mix together 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, the oregano, smoked paprika and garlic in a large bowl. Add the carrots, peppers, corn, eggplant, potatoes and zucchini to the olive oil mixture and toss to combine, making sure each piece is fully coated with the marinade.
• Tear off eight 12-by-18-inch pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil and arrange them in stacks of 2 on a work surface (you should have 4 stacks). Divide the vegetables among the stacks, about 2 heaping cups per pouch.
• For each stack, bring the 2 long sides of the foil together and fold the edges over each other a few times to seal, leaving room around the vegetables for steam. Fold over the edges of the short sides to seal.
• Carefully spread the coals using a large pair of tongs, then add the foil packets and cover them with coals. Cover the grill with the lid and cook until the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into each packet; it should easily slide all the way through the vegetables.
• Remove the foil packets to a heatproof work surface and let cool for 5 minutes before carefully opening. Use a spatula or a large spoon to transfer the contents to a platter. Sprinkle the vegetables with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• Whisk together the lemon juice, zaatar, sumac, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon water and the remaining 5 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables, making sure they are all well coated. Crumble the feta over the vegetables. Taste and add more salt or pepper, if needed.