Let’s face it: every time you buy an aubergine, you already know you need it for some recipe, right? It’s not exactly a staple like tomatoes or potatoes. But we’re here to open your world: this grilled whole aubergine recipe is going to blow. your. mind. And, it’ll probably become a new staple, since so damn delicious.
Might we add that it happens to be vegan and goes perfectly on the braai menu? Vegetarians and braais typically don’t go well together, but your picky vegan mates will love you for this tasty alternative to the giant mushroom. Lose the bruschetta and this grilled whole aubergine becomes a healthy side attraction to a meaty main. Or, just make it all winter long. No judgement.
READ MORE: What Is The 30 Plants Per Week Challenge?
Benefits of Aubergine
First off, get ready to have your world rocked: aubergine, by biological definition, is not a vegetable at all, but a berry.
Now that we’ve sufficiently shifted your reality, let’s look at how good this plant can be for your bod. It’s high in fibre and low in calories, making it a great addition to salads, stews and basically anything else you can chuck into a pot. They’re also high in antioxidants which fight off free radicals in the body – the stuff causing things like ageing and other nasties. Also, the fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants in eggplants all support heart health. And when it comes to the skin, leave it on and eat it: nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant skin, is great for brain health.
READ MORE: 5 High-Carb Fruits—And How Adding Protein Or Fat Helps Blood Sugar

Delicious Grilled Whole Aubergines With Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 6 Medium aubergines (or one per person)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt
- Milled black pepper
For the bruschetta
- 1 loaf Ciabatta, sliced
- Olive oil
- 1 head Garlic, halved
Instructions
- Prick the aubergines and grill on the braai (or wherever) until charred outside and meltingly soft inside.
- To make the bruschetta, brush the sliced bread with olive oil, then toast over the coals. Remove and smear with the halved head of garlic.
- To serve, slash a cross on top of each aubergine, squash the sides to open and flavour with olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning of choice.
Notes
Try something new!
- The Easy Vegan Fudge Squares You’ll Want To Eat Every Minute
- Yeast-Free Hot Cross Buns That Rise Perfectly Every Time
- A Healthy Apple Crumble Recipe That’s Perfect For The Weekend
- Make Your Own Age-Defying Breakfast Bars
- You’ll Never Want Cabbage Served Any Other Way (Seriously!)
- This Chamomile Smoothie Will Make Falling Asleep Easier Than Ever