Oven-roasted Aubergines
The quickest way to elevate - almost - any vegetable is to roast it. And aubergines are no exception! They have been a family-favourite in my household, for as long as I can remember. Roasted in the oven or grilled on the plancha, this vegetable truly is a Summer staple.
Crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, these Oven Roasted Aubergines simply melt in your mouth. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavour, this basic recipe will look and taste great for any occasion. What more could you ask for?
Although perfect as such - with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme - my favourite way to eat these oven roasted aubergines is with a little something extra that turns this dish into a show-stopper.
A creamy homemade tzatziki, a handful of crisp and juicy pomegranate seeds, some toasted pistachios (nutty undertone) and a sprinkle of fresh aromatic herbs. Simple ingredients with bursting textures and flavours that complement the mild smokiness and tender flesh of aubergines to perfection. My mouth is watering just writing about it.
- Vegan Recipe -
OVEN-ROASTED AUBERGINES
4 aubergines
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Fleur de sel
Freshly ground pepper
Handful of thyme sprigs*
50g of feta cheese**
Handful of pomegranate seeds
40g of pistachios, shelled***
Handful of mint or parsley leaves
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Wash and dry the aubergines and cut them in half lengthwise.
With the tip of a knife, score the flesh diagonally to obtain a cross-hatch pattern.
Place them onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle some olive oil on top of each piece.
Season with salt, pepper and thyme leaves.
Cook in the oven for 40-45 minutes, until baked through and soft inside.
Meanwhile prepare the Tzatziki Dip (optional).
Remove the baked aubergines from the oven.
Serve with homemade tzatziki and garnish with crumbled feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, roasted pistachios and some fresh mint or parsley leaves.
Notes: *You can sub. the thyme for any other type of herbs or spices to taste - i.e: smoked paprika, rosemary, oregano, cumin, coriander, parsley, etc.
**You can sub. the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.
***Toast the pistachios for a couple of minutes in a pan to enhance their flavour & add extra crunch.