Vegetable Salad (Armenian Khorovats)

Khorovats are Armenian grilled vegetables that are perfect for entertaining. They are very easy to make and you can serve them on a platter or as a grilled vegetable salad. Grilling is the favourite past time in Armenia. Armenian families get together to celebrate birthdays and other occasions and enjoy a good meal of grilled meats and vegetables. The word khorovats comes from the word khorovel which means 'to cook over an open fire'. So, technically anything that's cooked on the grill can be called khorovats. But traditionally, khorovats means meat and vegetables prepared on the grill. Khorovats vegetables are usually tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Vegetables:
6 medium tomatoes
5 Chinese eggplants
3 bell peppers

Salad:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 handful cilantro, parsley, or basil, chopped
sea salt
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat the grill to the medium heat. (About 350°F. You should be able to hold your hand a few" from the grate for 5-7 seconds.)

With a fork, poke holes in the skin of the eggplants in three or four places. Place the tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers on the grill. Close the lid.

Check on the vegetables every once in a while and turn them as needed.

Cook the vegetables for about 20 minutes or until they are soft and start to collapse.

Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and chopped red onion.

Make the Salad:
Transfer the cooked vegetables from the grill into a bowl. Cover with a lid and let it stand until the vegetables are cool enough to handle (5-10 minutes).

Remove the skin from the vegetables and chop into chunks. Drain the liquid as needed.

Transfer into a salad bowl and add the garlic, herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil if using. Season with kosher or sea salt. Serve warm.

Makes 4 servings.