Grilled Eggplant with Green Sauce / Melanzane alla Griglia con Salsa Verde

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse the garlic and parsley. Drizzle in the 1 cup olive oil a little at a time with the motor running until a thick emulsion is formed. Season with the salt and pepper. Stir in the lemon juice. Transfer the sauce to a 9x12-inch rectangular dish and set aside.
2. Preheat the grill for 5 minutes. If you do not have a grill, preheat your oven broiler.
3. Cut off the stem top of the eggplant and discard. Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a colander and liberally salt in between them. Allow the slices to "sweat" for 20 minutes to rid them of their excess water. Rinse and dry the slices. If using a grill, brush the eggplant lightly on both sides with olive oil and grill them turning once or twice until the slices soften and show grill marks. Transfer the slices to the dish with the parsley sauce and turn them in the sauce to coat them.
4. If using the broiler, place the slices on a foil-lined grill pan; brush the slices with olive oil and broil them on both sides until the slices begin to soften and brown slightly. Transfer the slices to the dish with the parsley sauce.
5. Cover the dish and allow the eggplant to marinate in the sauce at room temperature for at least an hour before serving.
6. Serve with slices of crusty bread