Roasted Mediterranean Eggplant With Garlic And Herbs Recipe

I love including this roasted Mediterranean eggplant dish in my healthy egg plant meals lineup. I start with tender eggplant cubes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice, then blend in oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley. Every bite offers a delightful medley of herbs and spices that sparks curiosity.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen with eggplant lately and I gotta say, this Roasted Mediterranean Eggplant with Garlic and Herbs recipe is quickly become one of my favorites. I start by cutting 2 medium eggplants into bite size cubes and tossing them with 4 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

The mix of dried oregano and thyme, along with salt and fresh ground black pepper, brings a familiar yet exciting taste that reminds me of those times i made other eggplant dishes like pan seared eggplant or even some healthy eggplant meals. I love how a pinch of red pepper flakes can add just enough kick, while the chopped fresh parsley finishes it off perfectly.

Its simplicity and robust flavors are perfect for any meal when you’re looking for the best way to eat vegetables with a Mediterranean twist.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I like this recipe because it’s really easy to make and doesn’t require a million steps so i can whip it up on a busy day without stressing out too much
2. I like how the mix of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs gives it an awesome flavor boost that makes every bite interesting and tasty
3. I like that its super healthy and full of good stuff like olive oil and fresh parsley, so i feel good about eating it even when i want something comforting and delicious

Ingredients

• Eggplants: Theyre great sources of fiber which helps keep your digestion in check and are low in calories.
• Garlic: It packs a big punch in flavor and adds a healthy boost with its natural compounds.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Known as a heart-healthy fat, it adds a rich, smooth texture to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy burst of sourness that brightens up the flavors nicely.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers vitamins and a pop of color, making the dish both tasty and appealing.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium eggplants, cut into bite size cubes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced (or more if you like it strong)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss the eggplant cubes in a large bowl with the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper — if you like some extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

3. Make sure the eggplant is evenly coated in all those seasonings.

4. Spread the eggplant mix out in a single layer on the baking sheet so they roast evenly.

5. Roast in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring them around once the time’s half over.

6. Keep an eye on them; you want the cubes to get tender and a little browned.

7. Once they’re done, take the eggplant out of the oven.

8. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top while it’s still hot.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve as a tasty side or a vegetarian main dish.

Equipment Needed

1. A preheated oven set to 400°F
2. A baking sheet and parchment paper
3. A large mixing bowl
4. A cutting board and a chef’s knife for chopping the eggplant and mincing garlic
5. Measuring spoons and cups for accurate spice and oil amounts
6. A spatula or wooden spoon to toss and stir the eggplant cubes
7. Oven mitts to handle the hot baking sheet safely

FAQ

Roasted Mediterranean Eggplant With Garlic And Herbs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find eggplant, try using zucchini or yellow squash. They dont taste exactly the same but works pretty good in this recipe
• If fresh garlic isnt available, use garlic powder instead. Remember that a little goes a long way so use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove
• Extra virgin olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil or even canola oil. Keep in mind that the flavor might be a bit different
• Lemon juice could be substituted with lime juice, which gives a nearly identical tangy flavor for your dish
• If you dont fancy red pepper flakes, try a few dashes of hot sauce to bring in that spicy kick without the flakes

Pro Tips

1. You might wanna let the eggplant sit in the marinade a little bit longer before it goes into the oven so it can really soak in all that flavor, it really makes a difference.
2. Try stirring the eggplant a couple of times while its roasting so none of the pieces get burnt on one side, this way they get evenly browned and soft.
3. If you crave a bit of extra heat or an extra flavor punch, you can tweak the red pepper flakes or even add a splash of balsamic vinegar when it’s almost done.
4. Cutting all the eggplant pieces in similar sizes will help them cook evenly, so you dont end up with some pieces being underdone while others are already too soft.