Moroccan Mezze Breakfast Delight
Indulge in a vibrant Moroccan-inspired breakfast with our Moroccan Mezze Breakfast Delight. This gluten-free plate offers a refreshing change from traditional toast or cereals, combining the rich flavors of grilled eggplant and creamy ricotta with the vibrant colors of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch, this dish serves four and brings a delightful twist to your morning routine. Filled with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this mezze plate is not only satisfying but also a wholesome way to start your day. Enjoy the intricate flavors of Moroccan spices and enjoy the communal experience of sharing this delightful plate with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 large (cut into 8 thin slices)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for brushing eggplant)
mint leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
low-fat ricotta cheese
200 g (for filling)
eggs
4 (for boiling and halving)
baby roma tomatoes
6 (halved)
Lebanese cucumbers
2 small (halved lengthways)
mixed olives
1/2 cup (for serving)
za'atar spice mix
1 tablespoon (for seasoning eggs)
reduced-fat feta cheese
100 g (crumbled for salad)
honey
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
extra virgin olive oil
to drizzle (for presentation)
extra mint leaves
for garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat a chargrill pan or BBQ plate to medium-high heat.
2
Slice the eggplant lengthways into 8 thin slices and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
3
Grill the eggplant slices for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until charred. Set aside to cool slightly.
4
In a bowl, combine the chopped mint leaves with the ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Place a heaped tablespoon of the ricotta mixture at one end of each grilled eggplant slice and roll up tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat for all eggplant slices and set aside.
6
In a saucepan, place the eggs and cover them with hot water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a medium simmer for 5-6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process. Peel and halve the eggs once they are cool enough to handle.
7
To assemble, arrange 4 plates with two eggplant rolls, each halved egg, a handful of mixed olives, and a salad of halved baby Roma tomatoes and cucumber drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with crumbled feta cheese.
8
Drizzle honey over each plate and a little extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor. Finally, sprinkle the eggs with za'atar or sumac and garnish the plate with extra mint leaves.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Mezze Breakfast Delight?
It is a vibrant, Moroccan-inspired breakfast plate featuring grilled eggplant rolls with ricotta, soft-boiled eggs, and a fresh feta salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Moroccan Mezze Breakfast Delight is naturally gluten-free.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
What are the main ingredients in the eggplant rolls?
The rolls consist of grilled eggplant slices filled with a mixture of low-fat ricotta cheese and fresh chopped mint.
How long should I boil the eggs for this recipe?
The eggs should be boiled for 5-6 minutes to achieve a soft-boiled consistency.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 6 baby Roma tomatoes, halved.
What type of cucumbers are recommended?
Two small Lebanese cucumbers, halved lengthways, are used for the salad.
What spices are used to season the eggs?
The eggs are sprinkled with either za'atar spice mix or sumac for extra flavor.
Is there honey in this breakfast recipe?
Yes, honey is drizzled over the plate to add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
How do I prepare the eggplant for grilling?
Slice the eggplant lengthways into 8 thin slices and lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
What is the grilling time for the eggplant?
The eggplant should be grilled for approximately 2 minutes on each side until charred.
How do I stop the eggs from overcooking?
After boiling, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process.
What type of cheese is used in the salad?
The salad is topped with crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese.
Can I use a BBQ to cook the eggplant?
Yes, you can use either a chargrill pan or a BBQ plate set to medium-high heat.
How many eggplant slices do I need per roll?
Each of the 8 thin slices of eggplant is used to create one roll.
What should I use for garnishing the plate?
Garnish the final plate with extra fresh mint leaves.
What kind of olives are suggested?
A half-cup of mixed olives is recommended for serving.
How much ricotta is needed for the filling?
The recipe requires 200 grams of low-fat ricotta cheese.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch.
What kind of oil is used for the final drizzle?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to drizzle over the plate for presentation and extra flavor.
Is this a high-protein breakfast?
Yes, it is satisfying and protein-rich due to the eggs and ricotta cheese.
How much za'atar is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of za'atar spice mix.
How do I assemble the salad?
Arrange halved baby Roma tomatoes and cucumber on the plate, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with feta.
What is the purpose of the mint in the ricotta?
Chopped mint leaves are mixed into the ricotta to provide a fresh, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Can I prepare this in advance?
The eggplant can be grilled and rolled ahead of time, but the eggs and salad are best prepared fresh.
Are there healthy fats in this meal?
Yes, the olives and olive oil provide healthy monounsaturated fats.
How do I make the eggplant rolls stay closed?
Roll them tightly starting from the end with the ricotta mixture to ensure they stay enclosed.
What does the term 'mezze' refer to?
Mezze refers to a selection of small dishes served as an appetizer or a light meal, common in Middle Eastern cuisines.
How many calories are in this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but it is described as a wholesome and healthy breakfast choice.