Roasted Eggplant and Onions with Fresh Herbs
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplants | 500g |
| White Onions | 2 |
| Fresh Mint | 10 leaves |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 bunch |
| Oregano | to taste |
| Fresh Basil | 10 leaves |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Ground Red Chili Pepper | ¼ tsp |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan-assisted ovens). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ready for the vegetables. -
Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the eggplants and onions thoroughly. Place them on the prepared baking tray, keeping them whole and unpeeled. -
Roast the Vegetables
Roast the eggplants and onions in the oven for about one hour at 180°C (or 50 minutes at 160°C if using a fan oven). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the vegetables. When the vegetables appear soft and wrinkled, remove them from the oven and let them cool down. -
Cut the Eggplants
Once cooled, cut off the top of the eggplants. Slice each eggplant into approximately 3 cm thick slices, then cut each slice into 3-4 pieces. -
Prepare the Onions
Trim off the ends of the onions and peel away the outer layers. Using a knife, cut each onion in half, then chop them into large chunks. -
Combine Vegetables and Season
In a large bowl, add the chopped eggplant and onion pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the garlic (peeled), fresh basil, mint leaves, chopped parsley, oregano, and a pinch of ground red chili pepper. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. -
Mix and Serve
Toss everything together well, ensuring the herbs and spices are evenly distributed. Remove the garlic clove. Your roasted eggplant and onions are now ready to be served!
This dish combines the rich, earthy flavors of eggplant and sweet onions with the refreshing notes of fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish to complement your main meal, it offers a delightful, Mediterranean-inspired experience. Enjoy!
