pat's Recipe

Grilled Vegetable Platter with Picnic Vinaigrette

Category: Vegetable

For the vinaigrette:
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
6 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. chopped fresh basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste


2 red bell peppers
2 yellow bell peppers
4 Asian eggplant
4 zucchini
18 asparagus spears, trimmed and peeled, if
desired
6 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup assorted finely chopped fresh herbs,
such as flat-leaf parsley and basil
Directions:
Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill.

To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, combine the shallot, vinegar, lemon juice and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil, then add the parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Place the red and yellow bell peppers on the grill rack and grill, turning, until the skins blacken and blister. Place in a brown paper bag, close tightly and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove the peppers and peel off the charred skin. Remove the stems, seeds and ribs. Cut the peppers into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a large serving platter.

Cut the eggplant and zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Lightly coat with nonstick olive oil cooking spray and grill, turning once, until softened and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes total. Place on the platter.

Lightly coat the asparagus spears and tomato halves with cooking spray. Grill, turning once, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes for the asparagus, 8 minutes for the tomatoes. Arrange attractively with the other vegetables on the platter. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and sprinkle with the fresh herbs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serves 6 to 8.