Roasted Eggplant Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe yields 4 servings.
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise. Finally, cut each piece in half to create shorter quarters.
- Place the eggplant, skin-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the eggplant with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes soft and golden brown.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
- Calories: 121
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Vitamin C: 6mg
- Calcium: 11mg
- Iron: 0mg
- Potassium: 273mg
Percent Daily Values* are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
Author: Sandra
Description: Roasted eggplant slices baked in the oven with olive oil until crispy outside and tender, naturally sweet inside, make a delicious vegetable side dish.
Origin and History
Eggplant, also known as aubergine in some regions, has its origins in India and is native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been cultivated for over 1,500 years, spreading through Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe and North America. In Mediterranean cuisine, roasted eggplant became popular for its rich, smoky flavor, which perfectly complements its natural sweetness. Over time, various cultures adapted the vegetable, integrating it into their traditional dishes, such as baba ganoush in the Middle East and moussaka in Greece.
Regional Variations
Roasted eggplant is a versatile dish enjoyed worldwide, with slight variations depending on the region. In Mediterranean countries, eggplants are often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano or thyme. In Italy, roasted eggplant might be topped with Parmesan cheese or served as part of a layered casserole like Parmigiana. In the Middle East, eggplant is roasted and mashed into spreads or dips, such as baba ganoush. In contrast, Indian cuisine often pairs roasted eggplant with spicy seasonings like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a deep, flavorful dish.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Roasted eggplant is different from fried eggplant, which is typically coated in batter and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a greasy texture. Roasting the eggplant, on the other hand, concentrates its natural flavors while keeping it lighter and less oily. Unlike stuffed eggplant dishes, where the vegetable is often filled with meat or grains, roasted eggplant is usually served in its natural form, with minimal seasoning that highlights its inherent sweetness and tender texture.
Where It Is Typically Served
Roasted eggplant is a popular side dish in many cuisines, often accompanying grilled meats or served as part of a vegetarian spread. In the Mediterranean, it's commonly found alongside lamb or fish, or as a topping for couscous. In the Middle East, it may appear as part of a mezze platter, offering a smoky contrast to other dips like hummus or tzatziki. In Italy, it's frequently served as an appetizer or as a topping for pasta dishes. Its a great addition to salads or a simple side to complement grain-based dishes like quinoa or bulgur.
Interesting Facts
- Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
- Despite its name, eggplant is technically a fruit, though it's treated as a vegetable in cooking.
- Eggplants come in various shapes and colors, ranging from the traditional purple to white, green, and even striped varieties.
- Roasting eggplant reduces its bitterness, a characteristic some people dislike, especially when using older or overripe eggplants.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise. Cut each piece in half to make two shorter quarters. Place the eggplant skin-side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven until softened and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice. Serve hot.
FAQ about Roasted Eggplant Recipe
Comments
Steven Turner
03/19/2023 11:41:25 AM
I concur that this recipe serves as a solid foundation. I decided to enhance it by incorporating extra olive oil and mixing in a generous portion of minced garlic. Additionally, I included dried basil along with the salt and pepper. My husband, who is a fan of eggplant, thoroughly enjoyed this dish.
Janet Carter
06/02/2023 11:03:28 PM
I enhanced the flavor of the pieces by sprinkling them with garlic powder, fresh basil, and oregano after basting them with olive oil, and they turned out delicious. However, when I tried brushing a few with lemon after roasting, I didn't enjoy the taste of them with this addition.
Nancy Edwards
08/31/2022 04:12:29 AM
I decided to dice the eggplant for a salad instead of serving it as a side dish. If you plan to serve it on its own, consider adding more seasoning. When cutting the eggplant into smaller pieces, remember to reduce the cooking time slightly. While I may not choose to serve it as a side, it worked wonderfully in a salad with mixed greens, a tangy homemade lemon dressing, and a touch of dried cranberries. I relished this dish for lunch alongside some club crackers and would happily offer it to dinner guests.
Margaret Hernandez
02/10/2025 01:23:14 AM
Baked for 33 minutes and turned out delicious! I enhanced the flavor by mixing a Greek spice blend with olive oil before brushing it on. Squeezed a few drops of lemon juice over each slice and sprinkled some Parmesan after baking. Will definitely be making this again.
Susan Young
09/14/2023 07:47:34 PM
I am not confident in my cooking skills, but this recipe was incredibly simple to follow. I stuck to the instructions and the result was fantastic! I incorporated it into a salad with julienned sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and grated beets. Tossed in a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, it made for a satisfying and tasty meal!
Justin Garcia
02/11/2025 01:46:04 PM
Sure! Here is a rewritten version: "I roasted onions and bell peppers, then sprinkled them with parmesan cheese and garlic powder. It was delicious!"
Pamela Walker
03/28/2025 09:20:30 PM
I followed the recipe but had to make one substitution as I was out of lemons, so I used a mandarin orange instead. The dish turned out well, my family enjoyed it, and they even mentioned they would be happy to have it again in the future. To me, that's a definite sign of a successful dish!
Nathan Johnson
11/20/2024 07:44:21 AM
I adore eggplant but was getting weary of fried eggplant. This recipe is fantastic - it can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Thomas Campbell
08/25/2024 01:19:13 AM
I cooked this dish in the air fryer and sliced it instead of quartering it! It was absolutely delicious and incredibly easy to make.
Dorothy Miller
03/31/2025 03:19:46 PM
Absolutely scrumptious! I utilized black truffle olive oil (perfect for almost any vegetable), a fragrant garlic herb seasoning, a pinch of garlic salt, freshly ground black pepper, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, and a touch of shredded Parmesan. These small extras fit perfectly into my dietary preferences :) And let's not overlook the refreshing squeeze of fresh lemon at the finish...delightful!
Timothy Scott
11/19/2023 12:05:20 PM
I have always been a fan of eggplant dishes, but I've never had much luck cooking with it as it usually turns out either undercooked or with a strange taste. However, this recipe was a game-changer for me. The first time I tried it, I followed the simple instructions and seasoned the eggplant with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The second time around, I decided to get creative and added tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The result was an incredibly delicious dish that was surprisingly easy to make. I plan on using this recipe as a base going forward, and I'm excited to experiment with adding ingredients like peppers or mushrooms in the future.
Steven Jones
08/16/2024 09:30:39 PM
This recipe is fantastic! Following the suggestion of another reviewer, I salted the ingredients first and then drained them after 30 minutes. I also like to top it off with a sliced tomato and a sprinkle of cheese before serving. I've thought about roasting the tomato slice for a couple of minutes, but I haven't tried that yet.
Deborah Evans
09/05/2023 09:49:35 PM
The same as described. Absolutely delightful!
Linda Cruz
05/15/2025 11:12:38 PM
This is a fantastic recipe as a base. I like to personalize it a bit by cutting the vegetables into different shapes depending on my recipe or meal. Sometimes I go for rounds, other times I prefer to dice them into chunks for easier preparation. I mix oil, acid (vinegar or lemon/lime juice), a pinch of salt, and spices that complement the rest of my meal in a large salad bowl. Then I add the vegetable chunks and toss them until they are well coated. This method ensures that the vegetables are evenly coated, and I find that I need less oil—especially since eggplant tends to soak it up. After coating the pieces, I arrange them on a baking sheet to roast. Next, I use the same bowl to prepare my salad dressing by adding more ingredients, then mixing in the salad components. This way, the dressing complements the flavor of the roasted eggplant. Plus, I only have one bowl to wash! This technique works well for all roasted vegetables, and I use it about three times a week with whatever vegetables I have available.
Eric Wilson
10/17/2022 06:42:15 AM
Simple and delightful! Eggplant is definitely my top vegetable choice. I sliced it into rounds, sprinkled grated parmesan on top, and served it warm straight from the oven. I always like to keep a bit of crunch in my eggplant dishes, and this recipe nailed it. The guests absolutely loved it!