Spicy Eggplant Cilantro Recipe (Vegan)
Baked Spicy Eggplant Cilantro Recipe is a hearty meal to add to your dinner repertoire. Baked eggplants are mixed with cilantro and garlic and topped with red pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 3 medium eggplant
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bunch cilantro roughly chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper crushed
- 1 teaspoon salt as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Placed on a prepared baking sheet with cooking oil spray and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cut the baked eggplants into large cubes.
- In a medium skillet add the olive oil on medium to high heat then add in the cut eggplants, minced garlic, chopped, and cilantro. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Turn the heat off then pour in the lemon juice, and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper and salt. Enjoy warm or cold with pita bread.
Notes
Usually, eggplants have a bitter taste. Thus, you have to wait until it becomes fully ripened and has smooth skin.
If the eggplant is wrinkled, then it is a sign that it is a bad one.
If you buy an eggplant, it is vital to cook it within 5 days. If you don't, it might become bitter. However, adding some salt before cooking might lessen the bitter taste. Plus, it helps in removing the extra liquid from the eggplant.
Also, soaking the eggplants in milk is an excellent way to temper the bitterness and add a creamy texture.
Some of the spices that go well with eggplants are basil, coriander, cinnamon, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and so on.