The Most Delicious Eggplant in the World!

ByEmily Side Dishes
The Most Delicious Eggplant in the World!

If you’ve been searching for a quick weeknight dinner that looks impressive and tastes incredible, this baked eggplant recipe is your answer. Imagine tender eggplant rounds topped with a savory mixture of sautéed vegetables, melted mozzarella, and a golden breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect crunch. This Mediterranean-inspired dish comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time and transforms humble eggplant into a show-stopping meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

Ingredients

For the Eggplant:

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 600g total)
  • Water for soaking
  • 1 tablespoon (18g) salt for soaking
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Vegetable Topping:

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) tomato paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Smoked paprika to taste
  • Provençal herbs to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sautéing

For Assembly:

  • 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Breadcrumbs for topping
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplants: Wash the eggplants and cut them into rounds about 1.5cm (½ inch) thick. Place the eggplant slices in a large bowl and cover with water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and let them soak for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness.

Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain the eggplant slices thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to remove excess moisture.

Pan-Fry the Eggplant: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and tender. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of fresh oil and reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add Bell Pepper: Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Tomato and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomato and tomato paste. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Provençal herbs to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.

Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Spread a thin layer of the vegetable mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the fried eggplant slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them.

Add Toppings: Spoon the remaining vegetable mixture over and between the eggplant slices. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then finish with a generous coating of breadcrumbs.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 285 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 7g | Sodium: 420mg

Why This Recipe Is Good For You

Eggplant is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. This purple vegetable is exceptionally low in calories while being high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps you feel satisfied longer. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin found in the skin, which protects cell membranes and supports brain health. The bell peppers add vitamin C for immune support, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health. Mozzarella cheese contributes protein and calcium for strong bones. The combination of vegetables creates a dish that’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. By pan-frying rather than deep-frying and using plenty of vegetables, this recipe maximizes nutrition while maintaining incredible flavor. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a Mediterranean-style meal that nourishes your body with every delicious bite.