Eggplant with nuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted eggplant with the crunch of nuts. This recipe can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here’s a simple recipe for making eggplant with nuts:
Eggplant with Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts), roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the eggplants:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. Score the flesh with a knife in a crisscross pattern (without cutting through the skin) and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
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Roast the eggplants:
- Place the eggplant halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and golden brown.
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Sauté the onion and garlic:
- While the eggplants are roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the nuts and spices:
- Stir in the chopped nuts, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts are toasted and fragrant.
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Combine and serve:
- Once the eggplants are done roasting, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Spoon the nut mixture over the roasted eggplant halves. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
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Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a main course with rice or bread.
Tips
- You can add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, feta cheese, or herbs to enhance the flavors further.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Enjoy your flavorful eggplant with nuts! This dish is both satisfying and healthy!
