Prepare to transform the humble eggplant into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Asian-inspired roasted eggplant recipe is not just a dish; it's a sensory adventure that combines the creamy texture of perfectly roasted eggplant with the fiery kick of fresh chiles, the crunch of roasted peanuts, and the refreshing burst of mint. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 fresh chiles, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Place the eggplant cubes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing gently to coat each piece completely and evenly.
- Spread the oil-coated eggplant cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Season the eggplant cubes with salt, using approximately 1/2 teaspoon or to taste.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the cubes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- While eggplant is roasting, finely chop the fresh chiles and roughly chop the roasted peanuts.
- Remove eggplant from oven when edges are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Transfer roasted eggplant to a serving platter and immediately sprinkle with chopped chiles, roasted peanuts, and fresh mint.
- Serve immediately while warm, allowing the fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts to contrast with the soft, roasted eggplant.
Tips
- Choose the Right Eggplant: Select a firm, glossy eggplant with no soft spots or blemishes for the best roasting results.
- Cutting Matters: Cut eggplant cubes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread eggplant in a single layer to allow proper roasting and crispy edges.
- Oil Distribution: Toss eggplant gently in oil to ensure every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Oven Positioning: Always place the baking sheet in the center of the oven for consistent heat distribution.
- Halfway Turn: Flip the eggplant cubes midway through cooking to achieve uniform golden-brown color and prevent burning.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly chopped herbs and recently roasted peanuts for the most vibrant flavors and textures.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish while warm to experience the perfect contrast between crispy eggplant, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
