Savory Spiced Eggplant Delight
This Savory Spiced Eggplant Delight is a versatile, aromatic spread that showcases the rich flavors of Indian spices. With a warm, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen as it simmers, this dish is perfect for gatherings or as a cozy snack at home. The eggplant absorbs the spices beautifully, and you can easily tailor the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Serve it warm alongside crispy pita, fluffy naan, or crunchy pita chips for a delightful experience. Enjoy with your favorite accompaniment for a burst of flavor in every bite!
5
Servings
176
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 (cubed)
vegetable oil
5 tablespoons (divided, for roasting and cooking)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (minced)
garam masala
1 tablespoon
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
petite diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can
water
1/2 cup
fresh cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
2
In a large bowl, toss the cubed eggplants with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil until evenly coated.
3
Spread the eggplant evenly on a long baking sheet that has been prepared with nonstick cooking spray.
4
Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is golden brown.
5
Stir the eggplant and continue roasting for an additional 5 minutes.
6
While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.
8
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
9
Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds.
10
Once the spices are fragrant, add the roasted eggplant, petite diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet.
11
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
12
Remove from heat, and stir in the chopped cilantro, seasoning with salt to taste.
13
For a smoother texture, blend the spread in a food processor or blender until you reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
11.2g
Fat
15.6g
Carbs
3.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spiced Eggplant Delight?
It is a versatile, aromatic Indian-inspired spread made with roasted eggplant and traditional spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 176 calories in each serving.
What temperature is required for roasting the eggplant?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
How much eggplant is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 eggplants, which should be cubed.
How long should the eggplant roast in total?
The eggplant should roast for a total of 25 minutes: 20 minutes initially and then 5 more minutes after stirring.
What is the total amount of vegetable oil used?
A total of 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil is used, divided between the roasting and sautéing steps.
How should the onions be prepared?
One large onion should be chopped and sautéed until it turns golden brown.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe calls for 3 large minced garlic cloves.
What kind of ginger is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger.
Which spices provide the main flavor profile?
The primary spices are garam masala, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the spices be toasted in the skillet?
The spices should be toasted for approximately 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with their juices.
How much water is added during the simmering process?
Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet along with the roasted eggplant and tomatoes.
How long does the mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Is the skillet covered while simmering?
Yes, the skillet should be partially covered while the mixture simmers.
When should the cilantro be added?
Stir in 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro after the skillet is removed from the heat.
Can the texture of the spread be adjusted?
Yes, you can leave it as is or blend it in a food processor for a smoother consistency.
What are some serving suggestions for this spread?
It is delicious when served with crispy pita, fluffy naan, or crunchy pita chips.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 11.2 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dish contain?
There are 3.8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 15.6 grams of carbohydrates.
How can I adjust the heat level of the dish?
You can easily tailor the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste.
Where should the eggplant be placed in the oven?
The baking sheet should be placed on the bottom rack of the oven for roasting.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan?
Prepare the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before spreading the eggplant.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What is the preparation for the eggplant?
The eggplant should be cubed and tossed with oil before roasting.
What is the category of this dish?
It is categorized as an appetizer, spread, or healthy snack.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The tags include eggplant, Indian cuisine, vegetarian, and roasted vegetables.
How is the dish served?
It is best served warm alongside your favorite bread or chips.