Today, I’m going to cook a delicious eggplant dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. This oven-baked eggplant is seasoned with garlic, paprika, thyme, and a touch of lemon, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 35 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants
- 4 to 5 cloves of garlic, sliced
- A small handful of parsley, chopped
- 7 tbsp olive oil (4 tbsp for seasoning, 3 tbsp for parsley mix)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A little lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Eggplants:
- Slice the eggplants and add salt between the slices. Let them sit for a few minutes to draw out any bitterness.
- Dry the eggplant slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Eggplants:
- In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp of olive oil with salt, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp thyme, and black pepper.
- Brush the eggplant slices with the oil and seasoning mix on both sides.
- Add Garlic:
- Slice 4 to 5 cloves of garlic.
- Place a slice of garlic between each eggplant slice.
- Bake the Eggplants:
- Preheat the oven to 180˚C (360˚F).
- Place the seasoned eggplant slices on a baking tray.
- Cook in the oven for 35 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and golden brown.
- Prepare the Parsley Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped parsley with 3 tbsp olive oil and a little lemon juice.
- Serve:
- Once the eggplants are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle with the parsley mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This baked eggplant dish pairs well with a side of fresh salad or can be served as a light main course with some crusty bread. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to dry the eggplant slices well after salting to ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Nutritional Benefits
Eggplants are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and high in antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Garlic and parsley add additional nutrients and flavor to this dish.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
Storage Tips
Store any leftover eggplant slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oven-baked eggplant dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with simple ingredients. The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon gives it a wonderful flavor that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for delicious oven-baked eggplant with garlic and herbs. Please like this video and share it with your friends. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty recipes. Enjoy your meal!