top of page
< Back

Day 3 Lunch: Grilled Eggplant Slices + Tahini, Lemon Juice & Paprika

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Serves:

1

Level:

Beginner

About the Recipe

Perfectly grilled eggplant slices drizzled with creamy tahini and fresh lemon juice, finished with a sprinkle of paprika. This simple, flavorful dish is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

Ingredients

Grilled Eggplant:

  • 1 small eggplant, sliced ¼-inch thick

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)

  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Tahini Drizzle:

  • 1½ tablespoons tahini (check for sugar-free, pure sesame paste)

  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon water (to thin the tahini)

  • Pinch of sea salt


Garnish:

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika (optional for extra flavor)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation

Grilled Eggplant:

  1. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Prepare Eggplant: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

  3. Grill Eggplant: Grill eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes per side until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate.


Prepare Tahini Drizzle:

  1. Mix Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, and water until smooth and pourable. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.

  2. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until desired consistency is achieved.


Assemble & Serve:

  1. Drizzle Tahini: Drizzle tahini sauce generously over grilled eggplant slices.

  2. Sprinkle Paprika: Lightly sprinkle paprika over the eggplant and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.


Tips to Make it Even Easier:

  • Pre-Slice & Salt Eggplant: Slice and salt eggplant 15 minutes before cooking to draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness.

  • Use Pre-Made Tahini Sauce: Use a high-quality, sugar-free tahini sauce to save time—just thin with water and lemon juice as needed.

  • Roast Instead of Grill: If short on time, roast eggplant slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until tender.


Simple Flavor Boost Options (Optional):

  • Garlic Tahini Drizzle: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the tahini sauce for an extra burst of savory flavor.

  • Sumac & Olive Oil Finish: Sprinkle sumac over eggplant for tangy brightness and drizzle with additional olive oil for richness.

  • Chili Oil Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil for a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with creamy tahini.

  • Za’atar Sprinkle: Sprinkle za’atar seasoning over the grilled eggplant for earthy, herby flavor.

  • Mint & Cucumber Topping: Garnish with chopped fresh mint and diced cucumber for a refreshing contrast.


Recipes Created by BloodSugarChef.com

Meal Plan by American Diabetes Society

bottom of page