Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese

Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese Recipe - Flavorful Vegetarian Georgian Dish

Region / culture: Georgia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich and meaty texture of eggplant with a tangy tomato-mint sauce and creamy goat cheese. This dish is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean flavors, combining the classic combination of eggplant and tomatoes with the fresh and aromatic addition of mint. The addition of creamy goat cheese adds a luxurious touch to this dish, making it a perfect option for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

2 large eggplants, trimmed and cut into 0.5-inch thick rounds
1.5 tbsp olive oil
non-stick vegetable oil spray
0.5 cup chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
4 stewed and peeled Italian-style tomatoes
3 tbsp chopped fresh mint
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 cup crumbled soft fresh goat cheese (feta)
8 chopped fresh basil leaves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
Spray two large baking sheets with oil spray.
Arrange the eggplant rounds on the prepared sheets and lightly brush them with 1 tbsp of oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Turn the rounds over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until tender and golden.
Remove from the oven.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
Heat the remaining 0.5 tbsp of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the tomatoes with their juices, mint, and oregano, and simmer until the sauce thickens and reduces to 1.75 cups. Use the back of a spoon to break up the tomatoes, approximately 20 minutes.
Spoon half of the tomato sauce into a shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Arrange the eggplant rounds on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
Spoon the remaining sauce over the eggplant.
Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Bake until heated through, approximately 20 minutes.
Sprinkle with basil.

Variations

For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese and use a dairy-free alternative.
Add cooked ground lamb or beef to the tomato-mint sauce for a heartier dish.
Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the eggplant into evenly sized rounds to ensure even cooking.

- Brushing the eggplant with olive oil before baking helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

- Be sure to simmer the tomato-mint sauce until it thickens and reduces to intensify the flavors.

- Sprinkling fresh basil over the finished dish adds a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the eggplant rounds helps to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness.

- Simmering the tomato-mint sauce allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cheese in place of goat cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.

- Fresh mint can be substituted with dried mint, but use half the amount called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tomato-mint sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the dish and bake it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (goat cheese) and gluten (if served with bread), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a well-balanced meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Summary

Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner. With its combination of Mediterranean flavors and creamy goat cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her charming little villa in the Italian countryside. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to her delicious meals whenever I visited.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen as she prepared lunch. The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs filled the air as she chopped and sautéed with expert precision. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a mouthwatering dish of eggplant, tomatoes, mint, and goat cheese.

As I savored each bite of the flavorful dish, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step with patience and care. She told me that the key to a delicious Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese was using the freshest ingredients and cooking with love.

I returned home with the recipe in hand, eager to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients - eggplant, tomatoes, mint, goat cheese, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes - and set to work, channeling Maria's skill and passion as I cooked.

I began by slicing the eggplant into rounds and grilling them until they were tender and slightly charred. In a separate pan, I sautéed diced tomatoes with minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, transporting me back to Maria's villa on that warm summer day.

Once the tomato sauce had simmered and thickened, I added fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor. I spooned the sauce over the grilled eggplant and crumbled goat cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly before serving.

The first bite of my homemade Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese brought me right back to Maria's kitchen. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the textures perfectly balanced. I knew I had truly captured the essence of the dish, thanks to Maria's guidance and inspiration.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe for family and friends, always receiving rave reviews. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of Maria and the day she shared her culinary expertise with me. Her friendship and mentorship have enriched my life in more ways than I can count, and I am forever grateful for her influence on my cooking.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Eggplant with Tomato-Mint Sauce and Goat Cheese, I raise a toast to Maria and the memories we shared in her kitchen. Cooking truly is a gift that brings people together, and I am honored to carry on the tradition of sharing delicious meals with loved ones.