Eggplant In Spicy Tomato Sauce
Eggplant in Spicy Tomato Sauce offers a rich, savory flavor with a hint of heat, featuring tender roasted eggplant in a vibrant, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for vegetarians and spice lovers, this dish pairs well with rice or bread and makes a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant ⓘ
- 9 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 piece fresh ginger (1 1/2 x 1-inch), peeled and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled ⓘ
- 1 tsp. whole fennel seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. whole cumin seed ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- Halve the eggplant lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with about 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a large broiling tray.
- Broil the eggplant 3 inches from the heat source for about 7 minutes.
- Turn the slices with a spatula and broil for another 7 minutes, or until nicely browned.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped ginger, garlic cloves, fennel seed, and cumin seed; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes, ground coriander, salt, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; cook until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
- Add the broiled eggplant to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. If you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used (1/4 tsp). You can substitute the eggplant with zucchini for a lighter version. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference for a milder or hotter dish. Using fresh tomatoes in peak season enhances the sauce's taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Eggplant in Spicy Tomato Sauce over a bed of Sesame Brown Rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Caesar Salad (For Two) or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to a month; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant In Spicy Tomato Sauce contains roughly 622 calories, with 21g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), and potassium (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1617mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently before serving to maintain the texture of the eggplant.
What can I serve with this eggplant dish?
This recipe pairs well with Mediterranean recipes like a refreshing tabbouleh salad or warm pita bread. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside some couscous or pasta to soak up the spicy tomato sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Eggplant in Spicy Tomato Sauce is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly into vegan diets. It's a flavorful and nutritious option that highlights the natural taste of the vegetables without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).