Zesty Mint-Infused Eggplant Medley
Elevate your culinary repertoire with this vibrant, Zesty Mint-Infused Eggplant Medley, an exquisite recipe inspired by Madhur Jaffrey. This delightful dish serves as a perfect canape or a mouthwatering side for grilled lamb or fish. Utilizing the slender stature of Japanese eggplants or the robust Italian variety, this dish showcases their versatility. Slice the eggplant and broil it in advance to save time, then finish with a heavenly mint and spice dressing just before serving to create a fragrant and visually appealing dish that will captivate your guests and elevate any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2.5 (lbs)
peanut oil or canola oil
6-8 (tablespoons)
kosher salt
1-2 (teaspoon)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
cumin seeds
1 (teaspoon)
lemon juice
3 (tablespoons, fresh)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
cayenne pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
sugar
2 (tablespoons)
fresh mint
1 (tablespoon, very finely minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating the broiler and positioning the rack on the top level.
2
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and brushing the foil with your choice of oil (peanut or canola).
3
For Japanese eggplants, slice diagonally into 1/3-inch thick pieces. For Italian eggplants, halve them lengthwise, and then cut into 1/3-inch thick slices.
4
Arrange the eggplant slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Brush lightly with oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
5
Broil the eggplant slices until they are lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes, then flip and repeat on the other side until browned.
6
If necessary, repeat this process with any remaining eggplant slices until all are broiled.
7
Once all slices are broiled, turn off the broiler and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8
In a small sauté pan, gently toast the cumin seeds over medium heat until they darken and release a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
9
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled cumin seeds with lemon juice, remaining salt, cayenne pepper, sugar, and finely minced fresh mint, stirring well to create a seasoning mixture.
10
Lay the broiled eggplant slices in a baking dish, overlapping slightly, or arrange in concentric circles. Drizzle or brush the seasoning mixture generously over all layers of eggplant slices.
11
Cover the dish with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and achieve a tender texture. Alternatively, you can spread the slices back on the baking sheet, brush with the seasoning mixture, and bake until absorbed for a delightful canape option.
12
Serve the eggplant warm or at room temperature, enjoying the irresistible aroma that will surely entice you!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Mint-Infused Eggplant Medley?
It is a vibrant vegetable dish inspired by Madhur Jaffrey that features broiled and baked eggplant slices finished with a fragrant mint and spice dressing.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary work of Madhur Jaffrey.
What types of eggplant can I use for this recipe?
You can use either slender Japanese eggplants or the more robust Italian variety.
How should I slice Japanese eggplants for this dish?
Japanese eggplants should be sliced diagonally into pieces approximately 1/3-inch thick.
How do I prepare Italian eggplants for this medley?
Italian eggplants should be halved lengthwise and then cut into 1/3-inch thick slices.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
This dish serves as an excellent canape or a mouthwatering side for grilled lamb or fish.
Can this eggplant dish be served cold?
The eggplant can be served either warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, based on the ingredients like eggplant, oil, lemon, and spices, this recipe is vegan-friendly.
What oils are recommended for broiling the eggplant?
Peanut oil or canola oil are recommended for brushing the eggplant slices.
How long should I broil the eggplant slices?
Broil the slices for about 3-5 minutes per side until they are lightly browned.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
After broiling, the oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking step.
How do I prepare the cumin seeds for the dressing?
Gently toast the cumin seeds in a small sauté pan over medium heat until they darken and release a fragrant aroma.
What ingredients make up the seasoning mixture?
The mixture consists of toasted cumin seeds, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper, sugar, and finely minced fresh mint.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
The eggplant should bake for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and achieve a tender texture.
Should the baking dish be covered while in the oven?
Yes, you should cover the baking dish with foil before placing it in the preheated oven.
How do I arrange the eggplant in the baking dish?
Lay the slices in a baking dish, overlapping them slightly or arranging them in concentric circles.
Can I prepare part of this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can slice and broil the eggplant in advance to save time before the final assembly.
What is the total amount of eggplant needed?
The recipe requires 2.5 lbs of eggplant.
How much fresh mint is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of very finely minced fresh mint.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the zesty mint dressing.
What provides the heat in the seasoning mixture?
The heat comes from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How much lemon juice should I use?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the best way to serve this as a canape?
Spread the slices on a baking sheet, brush with the seasoning mixture, and bake until the dressing is absorbed.
Does this dish use cumin powder or seeds?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds which are toasted and then added to the dressing.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with oil before arranging the eggplant slices.
Which rack should I use in the broiler?
Position the oven rack on the top level for broiling the eggplant.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The primary flavors are zesty lemon, aromatic toasted cumin, fresh mint, and a hint of spicy cayenne.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy vegetable dish that uses fresh ingredients and minimal processing.
To what cuisine does this recipe belong?
This dish is categorized under Mediterranean cuisine.