Roasted Brinjal Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Discover a world of flavor with our tantalizing Roasted Brinjal Recipe! From smoky eggplants to zesty spices, savor Mediterranean magic today.

Roasted Brinjal

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Category: Side dish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 100 calories

This roasted brinjal recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that makes a great side or appetizer. It's a simple yet delicious way to prepare brinjals (eggplants) with a Mediterranean twist. The preparation involves cutting the brinjals in half, seasoning them with a blend of olive oil, garlic, and spices, and then roasting them until they become tender and beautifully caramelized.

The prep time for this recipe is minimal, taking just around 10-15 minutes, making it a convenient choice for a quick and healthy meal option. After the initial preparation, the brinjals are roasted in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they turn soft and take on a smoky flavor. The result is a dish with a fantastic combination of textures and flavors, with the spices infusing the brinjals with a rich and aromatic taste.

This roasted brinjal dish is often served as a side for various Mediterranean-inspired meals, but it can also stand on its own as a flavorful appetizer. The recipe typically serves 2-3 people, and the calorie count per serving is roughly 100-150 calories, making it a reasonably healthy choice. Overall, it's a versatile and satisfying dish that's perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet or seeking a unique way to enjoy brinjals.

Recipe

Unlock culinary delight with our Roasted Brinjal Recipe. Smoky, spiced, and Mediterranean-inspired – a taste adventure awaits!

Ingredients

2 medium-sized brinjals (eggplants)
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Method Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
Wash and dry the brinjals. Cut them into halves lengthwise.
Using a knife, make a few deep slits on the flesh side of each brinjal half. This helps the flavors to penetrate better.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Brush this spice mixture generously onto the flesh side of the brinjals.
Place the brinjals, flesh side down, on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the brinjals become soft and tender. You can check by inserting a fork; it should easily go through.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve your roasted brinjals as a side dish or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Video

Roasted Brinjal

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Recipe Tags: Roasted Brinjal, Roasted Brinjal Recipe, Recipe

Servings

You can serve roasted brinjal in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Roasted brinjal makes an excellent side dish for a main course. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or other proteins. It also pairs well with dishes like couscous, rice, or quinoa.
Appetizer: Roasted brinjal can be served as an appetizer. Arrange the roasted brinjal on a platter and provide toothpicks or small forks for easy snacking.
Sandwich or Wrap: Use the roasted brinjal as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add some fresh greens, a drizzle of yogurt-based sauce, and you have a delicious vegetarian sandwich.
Dipping Sauce: You can serve roasted brinjal with a side of yogurt-based dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or tahini. This adds a creamy and tangy element to complement the roasted flavors.
Salad: Chop the roasted brinjal into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a salad. It can be a great addition to a Mediterranean-style salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
Pizza Topping: Roasted brinjal can be used as a unique pizza topping. Add it to your pizza along with other ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Bowl Meal: Create a bowl meal by serving roasted brinjal on a bed of grains (like quinoa or rice), and top it with fresh herbs, nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil or your favorite sauce.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. How you serve it depends on your personal taste and the meal you're preparing. Enjoy your roasted brinjal!

Tips

Choose Fresh Brinjals: Select fresh and firm brinjals without blemishes or soft spots. The freshness of the brinjals will greatly impact the final flavor and texture of the dish.
Salt and Drain: Some people like to salt the brinjals and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This can help remove excess moisture and potentially reduce bitterness. Rinse and pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.
Uniform Slices: When slicing the brinjals, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures even cooking, and all the pieces will be done at the same time.
Slits for Flavor: Making deep slits on the flesh side of the brinjals allows the seasonings to penetrate better, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Adjust Spice Level: The amount of red chili powder can be adjusted to your spice preference. If you like it spicier, add more; for a milder flavor, reduce the quantity.
Use Fresh Spices: Whenever possible, use freshly ground cumin and coriander for the best flavor. This enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the brinjals as they roast. They should be soft and tender, and a fork should easily go through them. Cooking times may vary based on your oven, so adjust accordingly.
Serve Hot: Roasted brinjal is best enjoyed hot from the oven. The flavors are at their peak when it's freshly roasted.
Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. A drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt can also be delightful.
Customize Your Dipping Sauce: Feel free to serve it with a dipping sauce that suits your taste. Tzatziki, tahini, or even a simple garlic-yogurt sauce can be great choices.
Variations: You can get creative with additional ingredients. For a Mediterranean twist, add some olives and feta cheese. Or, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Ingredient Substitutes

Brinjals (Eggplants):
- Zucchini: Sliced zucchini can be a good replacement for brinjals in this recipe.
- Bell Peppers: Roasted bell peppers can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture.
Olive Oil:
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute, but be aware that it will impart a different flavor.
- Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil: These are neutral-tasting options.
Cumin and Coriander Powder:
- Garam Masala: This spice blend includes cumin and coriander, among other spices.
- Curry Powder: It provides a different flavor profile but can work as a substitute.
Red Chili Powder:
- Paprika: Choose sweet paprika for mild heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a spicier option.
Garlic:
- Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder as a substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Salt and Pepper:
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: These can be used instead of regular table salt.
- Any type of ground black or white pepper can be used.
Dipping Sauce:
- Tzatziki: Substitute with a yogurt-based cucumber and dill sauce.
- Hummus: A creamy hummus dip can complement the roasted vegetables.
- Vegan Options: If you're vegan, consider plant-based yogurt or tahini-based sauces as alternatives.