Rice with Eggplant

Rice with Eggplant is a healthy and flavorful Greek dish that combines tender rice with roasted eggplant and aromatic herbs. This satisfying meal is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Vegetable broth - 400 ml
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplant into cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. In a baking dish, toss the eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
5. While the eggplant is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
6. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
7. Stir in the diced tomato, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it begins to break down.
8. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the oil and vegetables.
9. Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
10. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
11. Remove the pot from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and fold in the roasted eggplant, chopped parsley, and lemon juice.
12. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes, supporting overall wellness.

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