Eating vegetables can get boring when you stick with your typical broccoli, carrots, salads and celery. Let’s try something different. With Eggplant Medley, we’re eating a new combination of veggies, roasted and spiced to perfection. Eggplant being one of the main ingredients to this mixture or “medley”, we’re adding a new vegetable and unique texture to our roasted vegetable combination.
A Medley
A medley by definition is a “mixture of different things.” With this eggplant medley, we’ve combined some unique, yet delicious veggies to be roasted. The best part of a medley is that it’s easy to add additional ingredients.
Universal Eggplant
Purple eggplants are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that should be a staple in every kitchen. Their deep purple color not only adds vibrancy to any dish but also signifies their rich antioxidant content. From Italian eggplant parmesan to Middle Eastern baba ganoush, this vegetable’s universal appeal transcends cultural boundaries. Its ability to absorb flavors and its creamy texture make it a popular choice for various cuisines. Eggplants can be shaped into the perfect meal, it just takes some creativity.
Eggplants exist around the world. Aforementioned, many nations and regions have their own unique eggplants, with different tastes and textures. While Globe Eggplants are the most common within the United States, originating from South Asia, many nations use their own: in China, their eggplant is long, slender and somewhat sweet; In Thailand, their eggplant is more bitter and has an earthier taste; while, in Italy, their eggplant is very similar to the globe eggplant, but sweeter. Italian eggplant are very common worldwide. Some other popular eggplants around the world are: Japanese, Fairy Tale and White.
Healthy
In addition to its culinary appeal, the eggplant offers a range of health benefits. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. They also contain important nutrients such as vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. These nutrients support overall health, including heart health and bone strength. Some studies suggest that the soluble fiber and other compounds in eggplant can help reduce levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Picking Accompanied Vegetables
We pick three other vegetables to accompany our eggplant: red onions, sweet red peppers and broccoli. As with many of our dishes, the ability to adjust is up to you, and your preference. This mix adds a colorful blend to your plate, which is amazing to visualize, then eat. Some great options to substitute for this recipe include:
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- String beans
- Squash
- Japanese potatoes
- Yams
- Cauliflower
Whatever blend or “medley” you choose, the recipe remains the same. The more unique the combination, the better. This recipe is inspired by the world’s foods and spices, and diversity and uniqueness in look and taste is the main goal.
Based Seasonings
While some of the ingredients listed are quite common in our recipes, and in your cabinet, some are unique, and inspired from our love of international cuisine.
- Turmeric: This spice is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. It has been used in traditional Indian cuisine and medicine for thousands of years.
- Cumin: Cumin seeds come from the Cuminum cyminum plant, which is believed to be native to the eastern Mediterranean and South Asia. It is widely used in various cuisines around the world, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes.
- Chili Powder: This spice is made from ground dried chili peppers, which have their origins in the Americas. Chili peppers were domesticated in Central and South America and have become integral to many global cuisines, particularly in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking.
Now Let’s Roast!
Eggplant Medley
Equipment
- 1 18"x13" Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 purple eggplant
- 1 red sweet pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1 broccoli head
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1½ tsp. black pepper
- 1½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. cumin
- ¾ tsp. chili powder optional
- ½ tsp. turmeric optional
- 2 tbsp. avocado oil olive oil or grapeseed oil works
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- On a cutting board, cut into cube like shape the eggplants. Add to prepare baking sheet.
- Continue by slicing the onions, head of broccoli and the sweet red pepper, and also add to baking sheet.
- Add all your seasoning, as listed, and also add your avocado oil. Mix seasoning into ingredients thoroughly.
- Roast the vegetables for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, especially the eggplant.
- Serve immediately, while hot.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Roasted Medley
Whether you roast them, grill them, or use them in a stir-fry, purple eggplants are a great addition to any meal. Their versatility, wide-ranging appeal, and nutritional value make them a must-have vegetable for anyone looking to create delicious and healthy dishes. It feeds creativity. Now add some delicious additional veggies, seasonings inspired and based from around the world and you’ll get a wonderful, fulfilling and healthy side dish for your next dinner.
Salud!
If you’re looking for a great meat dish to accompany this delicious veggie side dish, why not try our Juicy, Moist And Tender Roasted Whole Chicken. It’s the chicken is the recipe that’ll fix all your mistakes, with just a few minor tweaks.
