Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Recipe
A flavorful Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant recipe featuring tender eggplant rounds roasted with garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano, finished with fresh cherry tomatoes, parsley, and optional feta cheese. Perfect as a side dish or light main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the eggplant.
- Coat Eggplant: Add the eggplant slices to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each slice is evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
- Arrange for Roasting: Lay the coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping for even cooking.
- Roast Eggplant: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the eggplant slices halfway through the cooking time to achieve a tender, golden-brown texture on both sides.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the eggplant on the baking sheet to roast them lightly without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese over the warm eggplant and tomatoes, if using, then serve promptly for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan feta alternative.
- You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Ensure eggplant slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- If desired, add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
