Trader Joe’s Marinated Grilled Eggplant & Zucchini
After the sweet and easy success of our Meatless Monday Meal of Mock Eggplant Parmesan, we went back to Trader Joe’s and picked up another package! (I almost hesitate to admit this to you!) We thought that the mock Eggplant Parmesan was just delicious and we made, yes, another one today for lunch. OK just to be super clear, the product that I am raving about is Trader Joe’s Misto alla Grigoia Marinated Grilled Eggplant & Zucchini.
Trader Joe's Grilled Veg
The pieces of grilled vegetables are tender, but not overcooked and mushy. They also have a slight smoky/grilled flavor that we really enjoyed.
But while I was creating this yummy meal, I started to read the package and think about other ways that these wonderful grilled vegetables could be used….
1. First I was thinking of slicing up the veggies and tossing them with hot pasta and sauce. I could even do this with the cold leftovers of the mock Eggplant Parmesan.
2. Then I was like Mock, Noodle-Free Lasagna could also be made with these grilled veggies. Next time I will pick up a container of ricotta cheese (or use crumbled soft tofu) and add spoonfuls as I layer the pasta sauce and grilled veggies.
3. I also thought these veggies would be good with some grilled meats (I was thinking of fish or chicken here, but lamb would also be great). A sorta “cheaters” way to serve grilled vegetables.
4. Finally what about slicing them up into thin strips and adding them to a cold pasta salad? I was thinking of that one I made earlier in the month with the Olive Tapanade? I bet the marinade and the “grilled” flavor would really add to a pasta salad.
However you serve them, they truly would make a wonderful addition to your meal.
Have you tried this product? What did you think?
I LOVE this product!! A new TJ’s opened up in my state (now only an hour away lol) and I bought a bag a few weeks ago and stuck it in my freezer. I wasn’t sure how it would taste but I made some tonight with some grilled chicken and brown rice and was in heaven. The taste is AMAZING. I actually cooked it in the microwave and then put it on my george foreman grill so there was some added crispiness. I will have more for lunch tomorrow with some rice and omit the chicken, because there is plenty of flavor with these yummy grilled veggies. I can’t wait to stock up…I’ll buy at least 3 bags next time I go! I love the idea of slicing and putting into a pasta salad. I definitely could envision serving these with pasta sauce, but honestly the flavor is so great on their own, I would prefer them to be the main favor of whatever dish I’m making.
Glad you liked this product. We noticed it in the freezer a few times before actually buying it ~so silly!~ And now it is a “regular” each week. Cheers! Kris
I love this product, I make pasta and mix with it, and it takes only 10 minutes to have a wonderful dish 🙂
This is sooo good! I am glad that you like it~Cheers! Kris
I used the eggplant with some goat cheese to make a really good appetizer for guests. First, I heated the eggplant and zuccini with some EVOO, Thyme, Sea Salt, and Basil. Then took the pieces of eggplant out and spread them with goat cheese, rolled them up, secured them with toothpicks and heated them in the oven at 350 for about 10 min. I arranged them on a serving dish with the zuccini then drizzled EVOO and Balsamic Vinegar on top and served at room temp. They were a hit and filling! I would consider making this as a main for my vegitarian friends.
WOW ~ This sounds like a great idea! Thanks for sharing it. I was thinking it sounded great for the lunchbox 🙂 Cheers! Kristin & Delaina