Baked Aubergine with Yogurt Dressing
Baked Aubergine with Yogurt Dressing is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish. Tender aubergine slices are roasted to perfection and topped with a creamy yogurt dressing. The aubergine absorbs the flavors during baking, becoming soft and flavorful, while the yogurt dressing adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. It's a simple yet elegant recipe that showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients and makes for a satisfying meal or side dish.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or baking dish: To bake the aubergine slices or halves, you'll need a baking sheet or a baking dish large enough to accommodate them.
- Knife: A sharp knife will be needed to slice the aubergine and prepare it for baking.
- Cutting board: Use a cutting board to slice the aubergine and any other vegetables or herbs you may want to add.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the yogurt dressing, you'll need a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon: You'll need a whisk or a spoon to mix the yogurt dressing ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients for the yogurt dressing.
- Oven: This recipe requires baking the aubergine, so you'll need an oven to cook it.
- Serving dish: Once the aubergine is baked and the yogurt dressing is prepared, you'll need a serving dish to present the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 aubergines eggplants
- Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- A small bunch of chopped parsley
- 2 pieces of salmon fillets
- lemon juice to serve
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Start by preparing the aubergines. For roasting aubergine halves (as shown in the video), make lengthwise and crosswise scores using a knife, going about 1 cm deep. If you prefer sliced aubergine, cut off the stem and slice them lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick pieces. If you prefer smaller portions, you can also cut them into rounds.
- Add the aubergine with the flesh down in a bowl filled with cold water and let the them soak for 5 minutes. Soaking helps to draw out any bitter compounds present in the aubergine.
- Lay the aubergines on a brown baking sheet and brush or sprinkle with olive oil. Make sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on each slice.
- Place the salmon fillets, skin side down on a piece of brown baking paper, damped in water and crinkled so it can take the shape you need easily, turning the sides up, so the juices from salmon donโt combine with the aubergines. Season with salt and pepper and add them to the baking tray.
- Place the baking sheet with the aubergines and salmon fillets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the aubergines and salmon are tender and golden brown. Flip the aubergine halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
- While the aubergines are baking, prepare the yogurt dressing. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, crushed garlic cloves, paprika, chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Once the aubergines and salmon fillets are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- To serve, arrange the baked aubergine slices on a serving platter or individual plates together with a piece of salmon. Drizzle the creamy yogurt dressing over the top of aubergines. Add some lemon juice on top of the salmon. Sprinkle with more chopped parsley for added freshness and a pop of color.
- Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in this baked aubergine dish! It can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a light main course.
Video
Notes
Using a brown paper baking sheet that is not whitened with chemicals is a great alternative to white paper sheets for baking. Brown paper sheets are typically made from unbleached parchment paper, which is a natural and environmentally friendly option. They are commonly used for lining baking sheets, pans, and as a non-stick surface for various baking purposes.
Here are a few benefits of using brown paper baking sheets:
1. Environmentally friendly: Brown paper baking sheets are usually made from sustainable and unbleached materials, which reduces the environmental impact compared to chemically whitened paper sheets.
2. Non-stick properties: These sheets have natural non-stick properties, making it easier to remove baked goods without sticking or tearing. This can be especially useful for delicate items like cookies or pastries.
3. Heat resistance: Brown paper baking sheets are designed to withstand high temperatures without burning or scorching. They are typically safe to use in ovens up to a certain temperature (check the packaging instructions for specific limits).
4. Versatility: You can use brown paper baking sheets for various baking applications, such as lining cake pans, baking cookies, or roasting vegetables. They provide a convenient and mess-free way to prepare and bake your favorite recipes.
However, it's important to note that brown paper baking sheets should not be confused with regular brown paper bags or wrapping paper, as those may not be suitable for baking due to their potential chemical treatments.
When using any type of parchment paper, including brown paper baking sheets, it's always advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended usage guidelines. This will ensure safe and effective results in your baking endeavors.