Sesame Eggplant with Green Onion



1/2 cup olive oil
5 large green onions; 4 coarsely chopped, 1 thinly sliced for garnish
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 eggplants (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices

1. Puree olive oil, chopped green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil in blender. Transfer mixture to small bowl. Stir in sesame seeds; season mixture with pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
2. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Generously brush 1 side of each eggplant slice with green onion mixture. Place eggplant slices, seasoned side down, on grill. Brush tops of eggplant slices with green onion mixture. Cook until tender and charred in spots, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions; serve warm or at room temperature. DO AHEAD Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Yield: 6 servings

Bon Appétit