As a busy mom, you often need quick and delicious meals that can please the whole family. Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant is a fantastic recipe that delivers great flavor with minimal prep time. This dish not only makes for a tasty side but can also shine as a main course, giving you the flexibility you need for your family’s meals. Plus, it packs in nutrients while staying delightful to eat.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant recipe is a breeze to prepare. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in no time. The eggplants offer a unique texture, and the combination of spices adds a warm, savory kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Families appreciate dishes that kids enjoy, and this one hits that mark perfectly. The simple steps allow you to focus on other tasks or enjoy time with your family while dinner cooks away in the oven.
How to Make Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Prepare the Eggplant
- Add the Olive Oil and Spices
- Toss to Coat
- Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Roast in the Oven
- Garnish and Serve
Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant
A quick and flavorful Mediterranean dish that’s perfect as a side or main course, packed with nutrients and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the eggplant by slicing it into 1-inch rounds.
- Add olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
- Toss the eggplant slices in the bowl to coat evenly.
- Arrange the coated eggplant on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Serve as a side dish or toss with pasta or salad for a hearty meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Serve
Serve Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant warm, straight from the oven, for a wonderful side dish to grilled chicken or fish. You can also toss it with pasta for a hearty meal or add it to a salad for extra flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese, making it a versatile addition to your dinner table.
How to Store
Store any leftover roasted eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the eggplant in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold, adding it to salads or wraps for a quick meal.
Tips and Variations
For those looking to mix it up, try adding different spices such as cayenne pepper for a kick or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. You can also swap in different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful, mixed-roast dish. For a creamy touch, drizzle some tahini or a yogurt-based sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen eggplant for this recipe?
While fresh eggplant gives the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen eggplant if you don’t have fresh on hand. Thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
How do I know when the eggplant is done?
The eggplant should be golden brown and tender when it’s done roasting. A fork should easily pierce through the slices.
Can I prepare eggplant in advance?
You can slice the eggplant and toss it with olive oil and spices a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to roast.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant is a straightforward, delicious recipe that brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your family table. It checks all the boxes for busy moms—easy, tasty, and nutritious. Try making this dish for dinner, and don’t forget to save the recipe for later. You’ll want to make it again soon!
