Ingredients
Method
Make the Balsamic Glaze
- Combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside to cool; it thickens further as it sits.
Grill the Vegetables
- Heat an outdoor grill or 11-inch square grill pan to medium-high, about 400 F / 205 C. Brush the grates with 1 tbsp of the olive oil.
- Salt the eggplant rounds and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel. This pulls out excess moisture so they char instead of steam.
- Toss the zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and onion rounds in a mixing bowl with the remaining 3 tbsp olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill the vegetables in batches so the pan isn't crowded. Cook zucchini and eggplant for 3 to 4 minutes per side, bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes per side, and onion rounds for 3 minutes per side, until all pieces are grill-marked and tender. Transfer to a platter and let cool for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Stacks
- Slice the chilled goat cheese log into 8 rounds using a knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
- On each of 4 plates, layer 1 piece of bell pepper, 1 goat cheese round, 2 zucchini planks folded in half, a few onion rings, and 2 eggplant rounds, then top with a second goat cheese round.
- Drizzle each stack with the cooled balsamic glaze, scatter torn basil and toasted pine nuts over the top, and serve right away while the vegetables are still warm.
Notes
- Salt eggplant rounds 10 minutes ahead to prevent a bitter, watery stack.
- Chill goat cheese before slicing for clean rounds that hold their shape.
- Grill in batches; crowding the pan steams vegetables instead of charring them.
- Reduce balsamic glaze until it coats a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes.
