Sicut Olim

A perfect side dish for any occasion: simple, healthy, and incredibly tasty. This recipe celebrates extra virgin olive oil as an essential ingredient for enhancing vegetables with an authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredienti (per 4 persone):

• 1 zucchini
• 1 eggplant
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 10 cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Juice of 1 fresh lemon
• 5-6 tablespoons of light fruity extra virgin olive oil
• Fine salt q.b.
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme, or mint)

Procedure:

1. Prepare the vegetables:
   • Wash all the vegetables thoroughly.
   • Slice the zucchini and eggplant into thin slices, about 1 cm thick.
   • Remove the core and seeds from the peppers and cut them into wide strips.
   • Leave the cherry tomatoes whole, if using, to add a fresh touch.
2. Grilling Vegetables:
   • Preheat a grill or griddle over medium-high heat.
   • Brush the vegetables with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
   • Grill each type of vegetable separately, turning once, until they have nice golden grill marks and are tender (about 2-3 minutes per side).
   • Remove the vegetables from the grill and set them aside on a large serving platter.
3. Prepare the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice with the remaining extra virgin olive oil.
   • Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and, if desired, chopped fresh herbs. Mix well with a fork or whisk.
4. Assemble the salad:
   • Arrange the grilled vegetables on the platter, creating layers for a more inviting appearance.
   • Add fresh cherry tomatoes for a touch of color and flavor.
   • Drizzle the lemon and oil dressing evenly over the vegetables.
5. Servire:
   • Top with some fresh basil leaves or a bit of chopped parsley. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature.

Extra Tips:

• Flavor Variation: You can enhance the seasoning by adding a finely chopped clove of garlic or a pinch of chili pepper.
• Crispy Texture: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for a crunchy touch.
• Perfect Pairing: This side dish pairs wonderfully with meat, fish, or fresh cheeses.