Penne with Grilled Balsamic Vegetables
- 1 small (1/2-pound) eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 3 portobello mushroom caps, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 large fennel bulb, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped marjoram
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Combine 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, mustard, half of the garlic and pepper in a large bowl and stir.
Add eggplant, onions, mushrooms, asparagus and fennel.
Toss to coat, cover and set aside for 4 hours at room temperature, tossing occasionally.
Remove vegetables from the marinade and discard marinade.
Prepare a grill for medium heat cooking.
Working in batches as needed, arrange marinated vegetables over the grill grates and cook, covered, until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes (depending on vegetable), flipping once or twice.
Transfer vegetables to a cutting board, and chop into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
For the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until just tender, 12 to 14 minutes.
Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
Add remaining oil and garlic and toss to combine.
Stir in marjoram, cheese, and reserved vegetables, and toss to combine.
Transfer to bowls or a large platter and serve.
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- 1 small (1/2-pound) eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 3 portobello mushroom caps, halved
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 large fennel bulb, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped marjoram
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese