Spiced Eggplant
Spiced Eggplant offers a tender, roasted eggplant topped with a vibrant mix of tomatoes, peppers, capers, and aromatic herbs. Its bold flavors and smoky undertones make it a delightful vegetarian main or side dish, perfect for those who enjoy Mediterranean-inspired, savory, and slightly spicy cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 c. green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 c. Italian plum tomatoes, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. capers, drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the eggplant in half and place it on an oiled baking sheet, cut side down.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until soft.
- Let cool before handling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider salting the eggplant before baking to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. If you're out of capers, green olives can be a good substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs, like oregano or thyme, to customize the dish. To enhance the spice level, add more cayenne or try a dash of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced eggplant as a main dish or as a flavorful side alongside grilled meats or Mediterranean recipes. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. For a heartier meal, serve it over cooked quinoa or rice, or alongside the Onion Stuffing for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quick option. Be cautious not to overheat as it may cause the eggplant to become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Eggplant contains roughly 243 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1057mg per serving (46% 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, you can prepare the spiced eggplant a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or microwave. The flavors will deepen and meld overnight, making it even more delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This spiced eggplant recipe is entirely plant-based and packed with flavor. It's a great option for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I serve with spiced eggplant?
Spiced eggplant can be served alongside a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a grain like couscous or bulgur for a balanced meal. It also complements dishes like Grilled Eggplant beautifully.
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).