If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious appetizer or side dish, look no further than baked eggplants with yogurt dip.
This tasty recipe combines the rich flavors of eggplant with a creamy and flavorful yogurt dip that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a healthy addition to your meal, baked eggplants with yogurt dip is the perfect choice.
: Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplants
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
: Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over the eggplant slices, making sure to coat each slice evenly.
- Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
- While the eggplant is baking, prepare the yogurt dip. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the baked eggplant from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the eggplant slices with the yogurt dip on the side for dipping.
: Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are several variations on the basic recipe for baked eggplants with yogurt dip that you can try. Here are a few ideas:.
: Spicy Eggplants
If you like spicy foods, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture before brushing it over the eggplant slices.
: Mediterranean Eggplants
To give your baked eggplants a Mediterranean twist, add some feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to the yogurt dip.
: Herbed Yogurt Dip
If you want to give your yogurt dip even more flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme.
: Health Benefits
Baked eggplants with yogurt dip is not only delicious, but also very nutritious. Eggplants are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and have been linked to several health benefits.
For example, they may help improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Meanwhile, Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, which can help support gut health and improve digestion.
: Conclusion
Baked eggplants with yogurt dip is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy appetizer or side dish.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and packed with health benefits. So the next time you’re looking for a tasty snack or a healthy addition to your meal, give baked eggplants with yogurt dip a try!.