Tangy Herb-Infused Sweet & Sour Eggplant Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Tangy Herb-Infused Sweet & Sour Eggplant Delight, a delectable dish that combines tender eggplant with a refreshing medley of tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant mint. The savory elements are elevated with a splash of red wine vinegar and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, creating a harmonious balance that captivates your taste buds. Perfect as a one-dish meal, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for sharing with family and friends. Serve it warm as a main course or enjoy it cold as a flavorful salad. Versatile and satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
2 (large, cut into cubes)
Olive oil
6 (tablespoons)
Garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
Onion
1 (cut into eighths)
Tomatoes
4 (large, seeded and chopped)
Mint
3 (tablespoons, chopped)
Vegetable stock
2/3 (cup)
Brown sugar
4 (teaspoons)
Red wine vinegar
2 (tablespoons)
Chili flakes
1 (teaspoon)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Fresh mint sprigs
for garnish
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the eggplants into bite-sized cubes and placing them in a colander.
2
Sprinkle the eggplant cubes generously with salt and allow them to sit for 30 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
3
After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplants thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt, and drain well.
4
Using absorbent paper towels, pat the eggplant cubes completely dry to ensure they sauté properly.
5
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the dried eggplant cubes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
6
Next, stir in the crushed garlic and onion pieces. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.
7
Add the chopped tomatoes and chopped mint to the skillet, followed by the vegetable stock. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8
Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
To serve, garnish the dish with fresh mint sprigs for a burst of color and aroma. Enjoy warm as a hearty main dish or chilled as a delightful salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Herb-Infused Sweet & Sour Eggplant Delight?
It is a flavorful dish combining tender eggplant, tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh mint with a balance of red wine vinegar and brown sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and vegetable stock, making it a vegetarian-friendly one-dish meal.
How many servings does this eggplant dish make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients are eggplants, olive oil, garlic, onion, tomatoes, fresh mint, vegetable stock, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar.
How should the eggplants be prepared initially?
The eggplants should be cut into bite-sized cubes and placed in a colander.
Why is it necessary to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant cubes.
How long should the eggplant cubes sit with salt?
They should sit with the salt for 30 minutes.
Should I rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse the cubes thoroughly under cold running water to remove the salt and then drain well.
What is the importance of patting the eggplant cubes dry?
Patting them dry with paper towels ensures they sauté properly in the oil instead of steaming.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the garlic cloves be prepared?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves that have been crushed.
How should the onion be cut for this dish?
The onion should be cut into eighths.
What preparation is needed for the tomatoes?
Use 4 large tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
How much mint is used within the dish?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped mint, plus additional sprigs for garnish.
What kind of stock is recommended?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of vegetable stock.
What provides the sweetness in the sweet and sour sauce?
The sweetness comes from 4 teaspoons of brown sugar.
Which ingredient provides the tangy flavor?
Two tablespoons of red wine vinegar provide the tanginess.
Does this recipe have any heat or spice?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of chili flakes for a hint of spice.
How long should the eggplant be sautéed initially?
The dried eggplant cubes should be sautéed for 1 to 2 minutes until they start to soften.
How long should I cook the onion and garlic?
Cook the onion and garlic for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
How long does the vegetable mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
When do I add the brown sugar and red wine vinegar?
These are stirred in once the vegetables are fully cooked and tender.
How long do I cook the dish after adding the seasoning?
Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
The dish should be garnished with fresh mint sprigs for color and aroma.
Can this eggplant dish be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm as a hearty main course.
Is it possible to serve this dish cold?
Yes, it is versatile and can be enjoyed chilled as a flavorful salad.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, it is described as a simple recipe that is easy to prepare.
What cuisine style does this recipe fall under?
This dish is Mediterranean in style and uses traditional regional ingredients.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe focused on vegetables and fresh herbs.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.