Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins Recipe | Vegetarian Breakfast Idea

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins are a unique and flavorful twist on traditional muffins. These muffins are packed with the delicious combination of eggplant, dillweed, and onion, making them a perfect savory treat for any time of day.

History

The recipe for Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins is a modern take on classic muffins, incorporating the bold flavors of eggplant and dillweed. This recipe is a creative way to use eggplant in a baked good, adding a savory element to the traditional muffin.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1.5 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp dried dillweed
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp minced onion
0.75 lb (340 g) eggplant, peeled and coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
zest of 1 lemon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Line muffin cups with paper or foil liners, and set them aside.
In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, dillweed, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
Stir in onion, eggplant, and lemon zest.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, using as few strokes as possible, just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon the batter into the muffin cups.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins begin to brown.
Allow the muffins to cool before serving.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute zucchini for the eggplant for a different twist on the recipe.
Top the muffins with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel and grate the eggplant before adding it to the batter to ensure a smooth texture in the muffins.

- Use fresh dillweed for the best flavor, but dried dillweed can also be used in a pinch.

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough muffins. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

Serving Suggestions

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or side dish, or paired with a salad or soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the muffins to ensure even cooking.

- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to avoid tough muffins.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

- You can use fresh dill in place of dillweed, but use double the amount called for in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Alergens

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins contain dairy (butter and buttermilk) and eggs.

Summary

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins are a nutritious and flavorful snack or side dish, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins are a delicious and unique twist on traditional muffins, packed with the bold flavors of eggplant, dillweed, and onion. Enjoy these savory muffins as a snack, side dish, or part of a meal for a flavorful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins. It was a dreary afternoon, and I was digging through an old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my great-grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe that caught my eye.

The recipe was scribbled in faded blue ink, the handwriting elegant and flowing. It was for a dish I had never heard of before – Savory Eggplant-Dill Muffins. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the unique combination of flavors.

I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients – a plump purple eggplant, fresh dill, creamy goat cheese, and a handful of other kitchen staples. As I chopped, diced, and mixed, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. Had my great-grandmother created it herself, or had she learned it from someone else?

Lost in my thoughts, I recalled the many recipes I had learned over the years from various sources – friends, family, cookbooks, and cooking shows. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a moment shared with someone I loved or a dish that had brought joy to those who had tasted it.

As the muffins baked in the oven, the savory aroma of roasted eggplant and fresh dill filled my kitchen. I eagerly awaited the moment when I could finally taste the fruits of my labor, to see if this new recipe would become a cherished addition to my repertoire.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the muffins from the oven, their golden tops glistening in the soft light. I let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures that danced on my tongue.

The eggplant was tender and melt-in-your-mouth, the dill adding a subtle freshness that brightened the dish. The goat cheese added a creamy richness that tied everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that left me wanting more.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the journey this recipe had taken to reach me. Perhaps it had originated in a quaint little village in Italy, passed down from generation to generation. Or maybe it had been created by a talented chef in a bustling city kitchen, inspired by the bounty of the farmer's market.

Regardless of its origins, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would share with friends and family for years to come. And as I sat at my kitchen table, surrounded by the warm glow of the afternoon sun, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking – a gift that had brought me so much joy and connection throughout my life.

So, if you ever find yourself feeling curious about a new recipe, don't hesitate to give it a try. You never know where it might lead you – perhaps to a new favorite dish, a cherished memory, or a deeper connection to the ones you love. Happy cooking!