Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to turn a humble eggplant into something truly mouthwatering? 🍆✨ This Easy Eggplant Recipe is a comforting, traditional-style dish that brings out the best of this Mediterranean favorite — tender on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re new to cooking eggplant or already love its silky texture, this simple recipe will win you over. It’s made with just a few wholesome ingredients: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs — the essence of rustic home cooking. Perfect as a main dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, it’s also delicious as a side for grilled meats or fish.
This dish honors the timeless Mediterranean way of cooking — letting the ingredients shine through balance and simplicity. Let’s fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of garlic, herbs, and roasted eggplant. ❤️
🥕 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into cubes (about 1 inch)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tbsp tomato paste for a richer flavor
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness 🍋
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Eggplant:
Wash and cube the eggplant. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let it rest in a colander for 15 minutes — this draws out any bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden. 😍 - Add the Eggplant:
Add the eggplant cubes to the skillet. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant softens and starts to brown. - Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in diced tomatoes (and tomato paste, if using). Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender and the sauce thickens. - Finish and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and a drizzle of olive oil. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with crusty bread, over pasta, or alongside grilled chicken or fish. Every bite bursts with rich, comforting Mediterranean flavor! 💛
🥦 Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 210
🍽️ Servings: 4
This dish is naturally vegetarian, rich in fiber, and full of heart-healthy olive oil. You’ll love how satisfying it feels without being heavy. Perfect for a quick, nourishing meal!
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
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