Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Casserole
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty Roasted Eggplant Casserole that combines the smokiness of eggplants with the freshness of tomatoes and the rich aroma of herbs. This dish is not only delicious but also a perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Serve it alongside Turkish Pilav for a complete meal that your family and friends will adore. This casserole is ideal for gatherings, and leftovers taste even better the next day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 kg (washed, peeled with some skin left on, cut into 1 cm cubes)
Onions
2 medium (diced)
Green Bell Peppers
3 large (diced)
Garlic
2 cloves (finely diced)
Tomatoes
5 large (grated)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 tablespoons (used for sautéing)
Ground Thyme
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by washing the eggplants and peeling them, ensuring to leave some skin on for extra flavor and texture. Cut the eggplants into 1 cm cubes.
2
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cooking pan or skillet over medium heat.
3
Add the diced onions to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
4
Next, introduce the diced green bell peppers and garlic to the pan, stirring occasionally for an additional 3 minutes.
5
Gently fold in the cubed eggplant and continue to sauté for about 10 minutes until the eggplants soften and start absorbing the flavors.
6
Grate the tomatoes and add them to the pan, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Add the ground thyme and season the casserole generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to incorporate.
8
Let the casserole simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9
Remove from heat and serve hot over Turkish Pilav for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Casserole?
It is a hearty dish that combines smoky eggplants, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, typical of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.
Is this eggplant casserole recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly as it uses only vegetables and olive oil.
Is the Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this casserole are naturally gluten-free.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include eggplant, onions, green bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and ground thyme.
How much eggplant is required?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of eggplant.
Do I need to peel the eggplants completely?
No, you should leave some skin on for extra flavor and texture.
What size should I cut the eggplant?
The eggplant should be cut into 1 cm cubes.
How many onions are used in this recipe?
You will need 2 medium onions, diced.
What kind of peppers should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 large green bell peppers.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 cloves of finely diced garlic.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 5 large tomatoes and grate them before adding to the pan.
What type of oil is best for this casserole?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits.
What herb provides the main aroma in this dish?
Ground thyme is used to season the casserole and provide a rich aroma.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the garlic and peppers?
Add the garlic and peppers after the onions have become translucent and sauté for another 3 minutes.
How long should the eggplant sauté?
Sauté the cubed eggplant for about 10 minutes until it softens.
How long does the mixture simmer after adding tomatoes?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 15 minutes after adding the grated tomatoes.
What is the total simmering time after seasoning?
After adding thyme, salt, and pepper, let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
What should I serve with Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Casserole?
It is traditionally served hot over Turkish Pilav for a complete meal.
Can I eat this dish as a leftover?
Yes, leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it is a perfect example of a healthy Mediterranean diet dish rich in vegetables and olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, the use of 1kg of eggplant and 5 tomatoes typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add other spices?
While ground thyme is traditional, you can add salt and pepper to taste.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, its warm, hearty nature makes it a popular comfort food in Turkish cuisine.
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
A large cooking pan or skillet is sufficient for sautéing and simmering the ingredients.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
Most of the sautéing is done over medium heat.
Why grate the tomatoes instead of dicing them?
Grating creates a smoother sauce consistency that coats the eggplant better than diced chunks.
Is this recipe low in fat?
It uses 4 tablespoons of olive oil, which provides healthy fats essential for the Mediterranean diet.
How do I prevent the ingredients from sticking?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it can serve as a main dish or as a side alongside grains or proteins.