Eggplant rice, a delightful one-pot marvel, seamlessly blends creamy eggplant with comforting rice. This dish is a delightful fusion of Italian pasta dishes and Mediterranean flavors, perfect for any occasion. With its delicate eggplant texture, zesty tomato essence, and aromatic herbs, it's no wonder eggplant rice is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Eggs: One medium eggplant (about 1 pound)
- Onions: 1 large onion, chopped
- Tomatoes: 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- OREGANO: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- RICE: 1 cup long grain white rice
- Stock: 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- HERBS: 1 tablespoon chopped basil for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prepare Eggplant: Salt eggplant and microwave for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
-
Sauté Eggplant and Onions: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat, add eggplant and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add onions and sauté for another 5 minutes.
-
Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Cook tomato and garlic for 1-2 minutes, season with salt and oregano.
-
Combine Rice: Pour rice into skillet, stir to combine with tomato mixture.
-
Cook Rice: Add stock to skillet, cover, and bake at 200°C for 30 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
-
Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven, let cool, and sprinkle with basil before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Eggplant rice provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fats. It's a low-carb, high-fiber choice that's also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. You can adjust the nutrition by tweaking the ingredient amounts or choosing gluten-free rice.
Note:
For variations, feel free to add or omit ingredients like roasted red peppers, zucchini, pineapple, or cashews to your taste. If you're aiming for a lower-carb option, consider using coconut oil in place of vegetable oil and grated coconut for a bit of sweetness and texture.
Enjoy your eggplant rice with a side salad or a garden salad for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. Whether you're entertaining guests or feeding the family, eggplant rice is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit every time.
