Herbed Broiled Eggplant with Capers and Olives: Melanzane alla Griglia

• 4 Japanese eggplants, halved lengthwise
• 1/4 cup pitted black olives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup capers, rinsed, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated caciocavallo or pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Using a small paring knife, make a series of crosshatches to the cut surface of each eggplant half, cutting into the flesh but not through the skin.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the olives, capers, mint, and basil and mash lightly with a fork to make a coarse paste.
4. Stir in salt and pepper, to taste, and the grated cheese and mix well.
5. Press the mixture into the cuts in each eggplant.
6. Place the eggplants, cut side up, on a grill or broiler rack, and drizzle each with a bit of olive oil.
7. Broil for about 8 minutes, or until the tops are crisp and bubbling.
8. Serve at room temperature.

japanese eggplants, black olives, capers, mint leaves, fresh basil, salt, freshly grated caciocavallo, extravirgin olive oil

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/herbed-broiled-eggplant-with-capers-and-olives-melanzane-alla-griglia-recipe.html (may not work)