Skip to main content

Grilled Summer Vegetables with Harissa Dressing

4.4

(12)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Seasoning Meal Vegetable and Dish
Grilled Summer Vegetables with Harissa DressingHans Gissinger

The veggies are great at room temperature, so grill them a couple of hours ahead, if you like. Cooking them ahead also frees up room on the grill for whatever meat you’re grilling (lamb would be delicious with the vegetables).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons harissa powder
1 red bell pepper, quartered, seeded
1 1 1/2-pound eggplant, trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise, then crosswise
6 large green lettuce leaves
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Ingredient info: Harissa powder is a spice blend sold at Middle Eastern markets, specialty foods stores, and online at wholespice.com. If unavailable, combine 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 1/2 teaspoons ancho chile powder; 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, paprika, and cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Whisk 1/2 cup oil, lemon juice, and harissa in medium bowl. Season dressing with salt.

    Step 2

    Prepare barbecue (high heat). Grill bell pepper quarters, skin side down, until skin is blackened all over (do not turn). Reduce heat to medium (if using gas grill) or let coals cool slightly (if using charcoal grill). Pour remaining 3 tablespoons oil onto rimmed baking sheet. Place eggplant rounds and zucchini on prepared sheet; turn to coat. Sprinkle vegetables with salt and pepper. Grill until charred in spots and cooked through, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Return vegetables to same sheet. Peel peppers. DO AHEAD: Dressing and vegetables can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

    Step 3

    Line platter with lettuce. Cut eggplant rounds crosswise in half; arrange in concentric circles atop outside edge of lettuce, leaving center empty. Cut bell pepper and zucchini into 1-inch pieces; mound in center. Drizzle some of dressing over. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges; pass additional dressing.

Read More
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like cottage cheese caramelize onion dip and a lentil barley salad.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.