Sweet & Sour Eggplant Recipe ๐
Overview:
This Sweet & Sour Eggplant recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional eggplant dish. Bursting with flavors and nutrients, it can serve as a tantalizing main course or a delectable side dish, perfect for those seeking a low-cholesterol and healthy option that’s ready in under 60 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 4 Japanese eggplants
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). |
| 2 | Prepare the eggplants by slicing them into approximately 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices. Arrange the slices in rows, covering the entire bottom of a baking or cookie sheet. |
| 3 | Brush each slice with extra virgin olive oil and place them under the broiler until they turn golden brown. Flip the slices over and repeat the brushing and broiling until both sides are golden brown. Set aside and repeat with the remaining slices if needed. |
| 4 | Heat the honey in a small pot over low heat until it becomes liquefied. |
| 5 | In a bowl, combine the remaining extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, heated honey, cumin, and sugar to create the sweet and sour sauce mixture. |
| 6 | In a baking dish that’s about 2 inches deep, arrange a layer of the broiled eggplant slices slightly overlapping each other, covering the entire dish. |
| 7 | Brush the sauce mixture generously over each eggplant slice. |
| 8 | Add another layer of eggplant slices on top and repeat the brushing with the sauce mixture. Continue layering the eggplant slices and brushing with the sauce until all the slices and sauce are used, creating as many layers as desired. |
| 9 | Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the eggplant to become tender. |
| 10 | Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Slice the sweet and sour eggplant into squares of your desired size and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 637.5
- Fat: 28.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 306.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 103.7g
- Fiber: 19g
- Sugar: 83.9g
- Protein: 5.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Japanese Eggplants: Opt for Japanese eggplants for their tender texture and mild flavor, perfect for absorbing the sweet and sour sauce.
- Layering Technique: Layering the eggplant slices allows the flavors to penetrate each slice, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess in every bite.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and sweetness levels of the sauce mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a hint of spice by incorporating chili flakes or chili powder.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Sweet & Sour Eggplant dish as a standalone entree alongside steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Give this recipe a try and elevate your culinary repertoire with this innovative and mouthwatering Sweet & Sour Eggplant creation! ๐
