Mediterranean Roasted Aubergine with Herbed Feta Crumble
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stared at an aubergine and wondered, "what can I really do with this?" This roasted aubergine recipe is your answer! It is packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Honestly, it is like sunshine on a plate.
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean masterpiece hails from, well, the Mediterranean! Think sun-drenched shores and fresh ingredients. It's super easy, takes less than an hour, and serves four hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This recipe is a nutritional powerhouse! It's packed with fibre and good fats. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner side, or even a potluck.
What makes it special? The herbed feta crumble. It's divine , I tell you! It is so easy to make a Homemade Roasted Garlic Baba Ganoush .
The Lebanese Eggplant Dip is a sure way to impress.
Let's Talk Ingredients
So, what do you need to make this magic happen? Two large aubergines are our star. Then, we need olive oil, a lemon, some garlic, and herbs.
For the crumble, grab some feta, parsley, mint, and dill. Honestly, it's all pretty basic stuff. But, oh my gosh, the flavour explosion! There is a lot to find in a proper Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe .
I find this Eggplant Baba Ganoush Recipe and the other Babaganoush Recipe as a good starting point to learn.
Roasting the Aubergine My Adventures
I have made roasted aubergine a million times. Seriously! The first time, I didn't salt the aubergine beforehand. It ended up soggy.
Lesson learned! Now, I always salt it for thirty minutes. It draws out the excess moisture. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
A roasted eggplant recipe Mediterranean is a great alternative. These easy roasted aubergine recipes are amazing and tasty
Herbed Feta Crumble The Secret Weapon
This crumble is where the magic really happens. The salty feta, fresh herbs, and olive oil? It's a flavour bomb! The roasted aubergine vegetarian version of this recipe works just great if you swap the feta for a vegan alternative.
Think about it with a grilled chicken or a fresh salad.
Serving it Up
This dish is so versatile! Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish. Or toss it with pasta for a vegetarian feast.
A dollop of tzatziki takes it to the next level. This Mediterranean side dishes aubergine dish can be served on its own and can be the start of other interesting plates.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Shall We?
Right then, fancy making some Mediterranean side dishes aubergine ? We're diving headfirst into this Roasted aubergine recipe Mediterranean , and honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday! So, gather your bits and bobs.
Main Ingredients for Our Roasted Aubergine
Honestly, fresh is best, my friend! Here's what you need.
- Aubergines: Two large ones, about 1 lb (450g) each. Look for shiny, firm ones without blemishes. Nobody wants a bruised aubergine !
- Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons , extra virgin. This is important. It adds flavour!
- Lemon: One big juicy one. We're using the zest and the juice.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
- Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon . Adds that authentic Greek flavour, innit?
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon (optional, for a bit of a kick!).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Feta Cheese: 4 oz (115g), crumbled. Get the good stuff!
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped.
- Fresh Mint: 1 tablespoon , chopped.
- Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon , extra virgin (for the feta).
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens! Oregano and thyme are a classic combo. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zing.
No fresh herbs? Use dried, but halve the amount.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen. Here's what you'll actually use:
- Large baking sheet . Or tray, if you're posh!
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup).
- Large mixing bowl .
- Small bowl .
- Sharp knife .
- Lemon zester/microplane .
- Garlic press (optional).
That's it! See? Not scary at all. Now, onto the fun part! Making this easy roasted aubergine recipes is a breeze.
We're almost ready to create this incredible Eggplant Baba Ganoush Recipe that will knock your socks off, even if you are aiming to make Homemade Roasted Garlic Baba Ganoush .
You can even think of this recipe as a starting point to create the best Lebanese Eggplant Dip you've ever had! Let's get going with a delicious Roasted aubergine vegetarian dish!
Let's Get Roasting! Aubergine, That Is!
Fancy whipping up some Mediterranean magic? Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of roasted aubergine . Seriously, this ain't your nan's boring boiled veg.
We're talking flavour explosion! Think sunshine, feta, and aubergine that's so good, you'll wanna slap someone (don't actually do that, though).
Prep Like a Pro: Aubergine Bootcamp
First things first: the mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting your act together before you start cooking.
Wash and trim those two big aubergines (about 1 lb/450g each). Then, get the other bits ready. Zest and juice a lemon.
Mince two cloves of garlic. Chop your fresh herbs. Honestly, this 15 minutes prep time makes all the difference. Organisation is key! Safety wise, watch your fingers with that knife.
You know?
Roasting Aubergine: Step by Simple Step
Alright, let's get roasting! Follow these easy steps:
- Slice the aubergines into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Whisk together the four tablespoons of olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, one tablespoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!), salt, and pepper in a big bowl.
- Toss the aubergine slices in the marinade. Make sure they're all nicely coated.
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Lay the aubergine slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 35- 40 minutes , flipping halfway.
- While the aubergine's roasting, prep the herbed feta crumble. Mix 4 oz crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl.
- Take the roasted aubergine out of the oven and sprinkle the feta crumble on top.
- Serve it up!
See those golden brown edges? That's what you're looking for. It tells you that your roasted aubergine is done.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Roasted Aubergine
- Salt it, baby! : Salting the aubergine draws out the moisture. Doing this 30 minutes before marinating them makes them less soggy. You know, like proper Mediterranean side dishes aubergine should be?
- Don't be a sardine : Give your aubergines space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding = steaming, not roasting. Think properly charred roasted eggplant recipe Mediterranean instead.
- make-ahead? Marinate the aubergine earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Homemade Roasted Garlic Baba Ganoush could be next!
Honestly, this is gonna be the best babaganoush recipe or Lebanese Eggplant Dip or Eggplant Baba Ganoush Recipe you've ever tasted.
And if you're after easy roasted aubergine recipes or something roasted aubergine vegetarian , this is a winner! Enjoy this yummy baked eggplant with feta !
Recipe Notes: Tips for Roasted Aubergine Success
Listen up, home cooks! This Mediterranean roasted aubergine recipe, especially if you're aiming for a delicious Lebanese Eggplant Dip , is pretty straightforward.
But, as with any dish, a few insider tips can take it from good to OMG -amazing. Trust me, I've learned a thing or two from many attempts.
I'll be sharing my secrets for the best Homemade Roasted Garlic Baba Ganoush .
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Plating is everything ! Don't just chuck the roasted aubergine vegetarian onto a plate. We're not savages! Think about the colours and textures.
A swirl of creamy Greek yogurt or tahini underneath adds a nice contrast. You can turn this into a Babaganoush Recipe so easy
For complementary sides, I'm talking crusty bread for mopping up all that delicious marinade (carbs, gotta love 'em), or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness.
A crisp, dry white wine? Absolutely essential.
Storage Tips That'll Save You
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy roasted aubergine recipes masterpiece keeps like a champ.
Refrigerate the Eggplant Baba Ganoush Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days . It's like a gift to your future self.
Freezing isn't ideal, as the texture can get a bit mushy. But, if you must, make sure you use an airtight container.
Reheating is simple. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch. But honestly, for the best results, warm it up in a pan with a little olive oil.
You can transform this into Authentic Baba Ganoush Recipe .
Variations: Keeping Things Fresh
Wanna mix it up? Of course you do! I have a delicious Baked eggplant with feta recipe, but the basic aubergine cooking process is the same!
For a vegan version, ditch the feta, or swap to a dairy-free option! Nutritional yeast is your best friend here. For gluten-free eaters, make sure your side dishes (like bread) are gluten-free.
If you're making this in the autumn, swap the fresh herbs for a sprinkle of sage or rosemary. I have delicious Mediterranean side dishes aubergine recipes for all seasons.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Alright, so here's the lowdown. This roasted eggplant recipe Mediterranean beauty is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. Aubergine is good for you.
It's relatively low in calories (around 250 per serving). Plus, the olive oil provides healthy fats. Just be mindful of the salt content in the feta, if you're watching your sodium.
Honestly, this recipe is a winner. Get in the kitchen, get roasting, and enjoy the flavour explosion! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
My roasted aubergine always ends up soggy! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy aubergine! More common than a rainy day in Britain. Chances are, you're not drawing out enough moisture beforehand. Try salting your aubergine slices about 30 minutes before roasting. The salt will help pull out excess water.
Remember to pat them dry with paper towels before marinating and roasting. Also, make sure you're not overcrowding the baking sheet. That'll steam the aubergine instead of roasting it!
Can I make this Mediterranean roasted aubergine recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components ahead of time! The aubergine can be marinated a few hours in advance. The feta crumble can also be made ahead and stored separately in the fridge.
However, it's best to roast the aubergine and assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture and flavour nobody wants a soggy bottom!
How do I store leftover roasted aubergine?
Leftover roasted aubergine, without the feta, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The feta crumble is best stored separately. When reheating, you can gently warm the aubergine in a pan or in the oven.
Sprinkle the feta crumble on top just before serving, but be warned, the texture won't be quite the same as freshly roasted!
Is there a vegan alternative to the feta cheese for this roasted aubergine recipe?
Absolutely! Loads of great vegan feta alternatives are popping up these days you can usually find them in the chilled section near the regular feta. If you can't find vegan feta, a mixture of nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, and herbs provides a similar cheesy, crumbly texture.
You could also use some toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavour, but it won't have the same salty tang.
What are the nutritional benefits of roasted aubergine?
Roasted aubergine is a surprisingly good source of fibre, which is great for digestion. It's also relatively low in calories and contains vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin C. Plus, with the addition of olive oil and herbs, you're getting healthy fats and antioxidants!
It is a delicious and good for you option for lunch or dinner.
Can I use different herbs in the feta crumble for my roasted aubergine?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your herb selection. While the recipe calls for parsley, mint, and dill, you could easily substitute or add other fresh herbs like basil, chives, or even a little rosemary.
Just remember that some herbs have stronger flavours than others, so adjust the quantities accordingly you don't want the rosemary to steal the show!
Mediterranean Roasted Aubergine With Herbed Feta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
