Description
This Lemon Garlic Roasted Eggplant is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring tender eggplant slices roasted to golden perfection and infused with a zesty lemon garlic marinade. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, it brings a fresh and vibrant taste to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the eggplant slices roast evenly without sticking.
- Arrange eggplant slices: Lay the sliced eggplant in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap for even roasting.
- Prepare the lemon garlic mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
- Brush the eggplant: Generously coat both sides of each eggplant slice with the lemon garlic mixture, ensuring they absorb the flavors well before roasting.
- Roast the eggplant: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to achieve a golden brown and tender texture.
- Add garnish: Once roasted, remove the eggplant from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the roasted eggplant warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or light snack.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh parsley with basil or cilantro if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the lemon garlic mixture.
- Eggplant can absorb oil quickly; brushing generously helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- To reduce bitterness, you can salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 20 minutes before roasting, then rinse and pat dry.