Description
A delicious and simple Roasted Eggplant recipe topped with a fresh mint sauce and crumbled feta cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines tender roasted eggplant with a bright, zesty mint sauce and creamy feta, making it perfect as a flavorful side or a light vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant and Roasting
- 1 Eggplant
- 3 teaspoons Olive Oil (for brushing)
Mint Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint
- 1 clove Garlic
- 2 pinches Salt
- 2 pinches Ground Black Pepper
Topping
- 1/4 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern by making about 5 diagonal cuts one way, then another 5 cuts diagonally the other way, being careful to avoid cutting through the skin.
- Roast the Eggplant: Brush both halves with 3 teaspoons of olive oil and place them on a baking tray. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggplant is thoroughly tender and cooked through.
- Make the Mint Sauce: While the eggplant is roasting, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, 1 clove garlic, 2 pinches salt, and 2 pinches ground black pepper in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the eggplant is roasted, transfer the halves to a serving plate. Spoon the freshly made mint sauce evenly over the eggplant and sprinkle with 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, you can roast the eggplant over a grill instead of the oven.
- The mint sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the garlic to half a clove or omit it.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: roasted eggplant, mint sauce, feta cheese, Mediterranean, vegetarian, side dish, healthy recipe
