In the realm of culinary delights, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. Today, we celebrate the art of minimalism in the kitchen by exploring a dish that showcases the natural flavors of two humble ingredients – sautéed eggplant with garlic. This easy-to-make recipe proves that with just a few ingredients and a touch of culinary finesse, you can create a delicious and wholesome meal that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Check out how I make this recipe in my Youtube Video below!

Quick Resources

The Story: Moving beyond Behind Eggplant Parm
Tips for Cooking Fresh Eggplant
How to Successfully Grow Eggplant at Home

Simple Sautéed Eggplant with Garlic

Easy, aromatic, and ideal for snacking with a piece of flatbread

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  

• 1 large eggplant, or equivalent
• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus more as needed
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• salt and pepper
• fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

 

• Chop up the eggplant into 1-inch cubes.
• Add olive oil to a large skillet over low heat.
• Chop garlic and add to the oil as it heats. Monitor to prevent burning.
• Add eggplant pieces to the skillet in an even layer, without crowding the pan.
• Add the eggplant browns, turn each piece over so that all sides are cooked evenly.
• Remove cooked eggplant cubes to a dish as they are done. Add more olive oil if needed to finish cooking remaining eggplant chunks.
• When all the eggplant is cooked, chop fresh herbs and sprinkle over the eggplant. Serve with fresh tomatoes and some flatbread!

Keyword eggplant with garlic recipe, how to cook eggplant, satueed eggplant, simple eggplant recipe

The Story: Moving beyond Eggplant Parm

Oh, the woes of growing up not-quite-Italian but not-quite-American. It seemed that my childhood was a constant defense of “Where are you from?” and endless explanations about how we (my family) have never really cooked or enjoyed Italian-American food. Eggplant Parmigiana? Blasphemy!

Instead, the vegetables that one can see coated in melty cheese and served in heavy sauces were – in our household – quickly sautéed, doused with olive oil, and served with a slice of lemon. To really being it back to the old country, a vegetable such as eggplant was eaten raw in a salad. That’s how we rolled.

I hope this recipe sparks your creativity with cooking an underdog vegetable like eggplant in a new and exciting way!

Tips for Cooking Fresh Eggplant

• Select a fresh, firm eggplant from your local market or garden. Look for one with smooth, unblemished skin and a vibrant color. The eggplant should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it’s ripe and ready for cooking.
  
• There’s no need to peel the eggplant as its skin adds a delightful texture to the dish.
  
• Add the garlic to the oil before the oil gets too hot. This allow the garlic to infuse the oil without burning as it heats slowly over medium
  
• Add fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or basil, right before serving. These vibrant herbs will complement the sautéed eggplant, adding a burst of color and flavor to the dish.

Made this Simple Sautéed Eggplant? Let us know below!

Sautéed eggplant with garlic is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients and a little culinary finesse, you can transform eggplant and garlic into a delightful dish that will leave you craving more. Embrace the joy of minimalism in the kitchen and enjoy the heartwarming taste of sautéed eggplant with garlic. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most extraordinary!

How do you enjoy cooking and eating eggplant? What tips do you have? Help us all out by sharing below!