Stuffed & grilled vegetable bites

Directions

  1. 1Cut the aubergine and courgette into thin lengths about 2-3mm thick – you should have 8 slices of each.
  2. 2Drain and rinse the peppers, remove any seeds, pat dry, then cut into quarters.
  3. 3Mix the garlic with the olive oil and some seasoning.
  4. 4Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat.
  5. 5Brush the vegetable slices with the garlic oil and cook for 2-3 mins each side until completely soft and lightly charred (you’ll need to do this in batches).
  6. 6Set aside on a plate and leave to cool.
  7. 7The vegetables can be griddled the day before and kept covered in the fridge – bring to room temperature before serving.
  8. 8Mix together the cheeses, sundried tomatoes, lemon zest and seasoning.
  9. 9Lay out the slices of aubergine on a large board.
  10. 10Top each with a slice of courgette, a strip of pepper, and a basil leaf.
  11. 11Dot 1 tbsp of the cheese mix on top and roll the vegetables up.
  12. 12Skewer with a cocktail stick to secure.
  13. 13When ready to serve, arrange on a plate and scatter over the parsley leaves and paprika.

Ingredients

  • 1 about 350g/12oz large aubergine
  • 1 about 300g/11oz large courgette
  • 2 flame-roasted peppers from a jar
  • 1 garlic clove crushed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 250 g tub ricotta
  • 25 g finely grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
  • 3 sundried or semi-dried tomatoes in oil (from a jar), drained and finely chopped
  • 0.5 finely grated zest lemon
  • 8 basil leaves
  • 1 small handful parsley leaves picked and roughly chopped
  • 0.5 tsp paprika

Equipment

griddle panlarge boardcocktail stick

Tips

  • Make sure the vegetables are cooked and nicely charred – undercooked aubergines really don’t taste good!