Mock Grenade of Spicy Eggplant
Based on:
TypeStarter
Serves4 people
DateOctober 14, 2026
A grenade-shaped starter full of tension, sharpness, and a nod to the news.
A starter shaped like a hand grenade, built from grilled eggplant halves, filled with sharp feta-yogurt, and a gherkin as the 'pin'. The tension is in the spicy and sour flavors, fitting the news of the escape with a fake grenade.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 100 g feta cheese
- 100 ml Greek yogurt
- 1 small red chili
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 small gherkins
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the eggplant halves cut side down on a baking tray and roast for 25 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, make the filling: crumble the feta and mix with yogurt, finely chopped chili, pressed garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the eggplants cool slightly. Carefully scoop out the flesh without breaking the skin.
- Fill the empty eggplant skins with the feta mixture and partially press the flesh back on top.
- Before serving, place a small gherkin diagonally into the end of each eggplant half as the 'grenade pin'.
- Arrange the eggplant halves on the plate so that they resemble a hand grenade: two side by side, with the gherkin pin visible.
Serving notes
- Sprinkle with extra chili for added tension.
- Serve on a black plate for dramatic effect.