Grilled Fairytale Eggplant

Fairy Tale Eggplant is a tiny eggplant that looks straight out of a fairy tale! It’s delicious when grilled and doesn’t need to be peeled or salted first.

Once upon a time there was an eggplant so magical mere words were completely inadequate to convey its charm…..

Two years ago at the Boulder Farmer’s Market I came upon some diminutive lavender striped tubular vegetables whose size could be described in no other way but ‘totally cute’. I had no idea what they might be and then learned they were eggplant; ‘Fairytale Eggplant’. Well with the name I was a gonner. 

What are Fairy Tale Eggplant?

These enchanting little eggplants only grow to about 4 inches in length and are about an inch in diameter. Their claim to fame? They do not need to be peeled to be eaten and no special steps are required to leach out any bitterness. They are perfect to begin with.

For the past two summers I’ve grown my own Fairytale Eggplant (and an equally charming variety called ‘Twinkle’). I prefer to grill them which could not be easier. They do not get slimy as some eggplant can as well. I feel certain once you try them they will cast their spell over you as well!

These are the Fairytale eggplants in my garden. The plants are no higher than about 12 inches with the plant on the right ready to harvest (eggplant are about 4 inches long). The plant on the left has a bit more to grow with the eggplant being about 2-3 inches in length.

Where to find Fairy Tale Eggplant?

Farmer’s Markets are a good place to look or stores with more extensive produce selections like Whole Foods Market.

They are fun to grow in a home garden too!

How to grill Fairy Tale Eggplant

STEP 1. Heat the grill

Heat the grill to medium heat. Scrape and oil the grates.

STEP 2. Prepare the eggplant

Slice the fairy tale eggplant into 1/2-inch slices lengthwise.

STEP 3. Grill

Brush each side of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill on each side about 1-1 1/2 minutes.

NOTE: You will note the color change in the flesh from opaque yellowish-white to a more translucent, watery yellow, and in the purple skin to brown. Do not over grill.

More recipes you’ll love!

Recipe

Grilled Fairy Tale Eggplant

These miniature eggplant are absolutely delicious and do not need to be peeled or salted before grilling (or eating). If you can find them at a local Farmer's Market, grab them! They will become a favorite.

5 from 7 votes

Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 116kcal

Author: Toni Dash

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

grill

Ingredients

• ▢ 6 Fairy tale eggplant
• ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Heat the grill to medium heat. Scrape and oil the grill.
• Cut eggplant in the ½ inch strips lengthwise. Brush each side with olive oil and lightly salt and pepper.
• Grill on each side about 1-1 1/2 minutes. You will note the color change in the flesh from opaque yellowish-white to a more translucent, watery yellow, and in the purple skin to brown. Do not over grill.

Notes

The amount of eggplant per person will depend on their size. We estimated 1-2 per person but any amount can be grilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 776mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

Originally published August 22, 2011