Name: Roasted Eggplant Spread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant, peeled; 2 red bell peppers, seeded; 1 red onion, peeled; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons good olive oil; 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2
Cut the eggplant, bell pepper, and onion into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and soft, tossing once during cooking.
3
Cool slightly.
4
Place the vegetables in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the tomato paste, and pulse 3 or 4 times to blend. Taste for salt and pepper.

About this Recipe

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Roasted Eggplant Spread is your answer, transforming simple vegetables into an irresistible dip that's perfect for any occasion.

The magic truly happens in the oven, where eggplant, red bell peppers, and red onion soften and caramelize, developing a deep, smoky sweetness. This roasting technique concentrates their natural flavors, resulting in a rich, complex spread far more satisfying than raw vegetable dips.

You can expect a wonderfully smooth and creamy spread, alive with the savory essence of roasted vegetables. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of smoky eggplant, sweet bell pepper, and aromatic red onion and garlic, all brought together with a touch of bright tomato paste. This naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dish is surprisingly simple to achieve, delivering sophisticated flavors with minimal effort.

While delicious as written, you can easily personalize this spread. Stir in a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a touch of brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of your favorite vinegar could also enhance the overall flavor profile.

This robust Roasted Eggplant Spread is an ideal choice for entertaining, a healthy afternoon snack, or as a vibrant addition to a mezze platter. Serve it generously with warm pita bread, a selection of sturdy crackers, or a colorful array of crisp raw vegetables for dipping.

Roasted Eggplant Spread

Ingredients

Directions