Spiced Eggplant

Spiced Eggplant is a vibrant and flavorful vegan dish from Lebanon, featuring tender eggplant infused with aromatic spices and herbs. This delightful meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, served with warm pita or over a bed of fluffy rice.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250g)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Chickpeas - 200g (canned, drained and rinsed)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons, toasted

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crisscross pattern. Brush the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the eggplant halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
6. Add the chickpeas to the skillet and mix well to coat with the spices. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Once the eggplant is done roasting, remove it from the oven and carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a border. Chop the scooped-out eggplant and mix it with the chickpea mixture.
8. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Spoon the chickpea and eggplant mixture back into the roasted eggplant halves.
9. Top with toasted pine nuts and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.

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