Eggplant in Olive Oil
A classic Middle Eastern delicacy of tender eggplant slowly braised in rich olive oil with garlic and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- •2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- •1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- •2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •1/4 cup water
Instructions
- 1
Sprinkle the eggplant slices generously with salt and let them sit in a colander for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the eggplant slices in a single layer and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden brown, then transfer them to a plate.
- 4
In the same skillet with the remaining oil, add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- 6
Add the water and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 7
Return the fried eggplant slices to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
- 8
Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the eggplant is melt-in-your-mouth tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- 9
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef tips
- Salting the eggplant is optional if using modern sweet varieties, but it significantly reduces the amount of oil the eggplant absorbs during frying.
- This dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead appetizer for gatherings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and serve chilled or gently reheated.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature meltingly soft eggplant drenched in a fragrant, savory tomato and olive oil sauce with a rich, aromatic garlic finish.