Baked Eggplant Recipe

This baked eggplant recipe is a delightful, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a delicious, savory treat with the right seasoning and cooking method. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results every time.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants
  • Salt
  • 2 heads of garlic, minced
  • Olive oil
  • 20g butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplants

  1. Cut the Eggplants:
    • Cut the eggplants into slices.
  2. Remove Bitterness:
    • Sprinkle salt over the eggplant pieces and let them drain for 10-15 minutes to remove any bitterness. Afterward, rinse and pat them dry.

Season the Eggplants

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season:
    • In a bowl, mix the eggplant pieces with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake

  1. Spread and Bake:
    • Spread the seasoned eggplant pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the eggplants are golden brown and tender, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

Add Final Touches

  1. Melt Butter:
    • While the eggplants are baking, melt 20g of butter.
  2. Drizzle and Infuse:
    • Once the eggplants are done, transfer them to a serving dish, drizzle with melted butter and additional olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Cover and leave the eggplants to infuse for 20 minutes.

Serve

  1. Cool Slightly:
    • Let the eggplants cool slightly before serving.
  2. Enjoy:
    • Enjoy your delicious baked eggplant!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Add to pasta or grain bowls for a hearty, nutritious meal.
  • Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini sauce for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the eggplant pieces are evenly coated with olive oil to prevent them from drying out during baking.
  • Turning the eggplants halfway through cooking ensures even browning and better texture.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Eggplants: Low in calories and high in fiber, making them great for digestion.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
  • Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats to the dish, beneficial for heart health.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan (if no butter is used)
  • Gluten-free
  • Low-carb
  • Paleo-friendly

Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients.
  • Rich and Satisfying Flavors: Making it a crowd-pleaser.
  • Healthy: Fits various dietary preferences.
  • Versatile: Can be served as a main or side dish.

Conclusion

This baked eggplant recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal plan. Its rich flavors, health benefits, and ease of preparation make it a go-to dish for both weeknights and special occasions. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious, nutritious goodness of eggplants in a new and exciting way!