Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread Recipe
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Make your next snack or party dish special with this Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread! It’s made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and veggies for a delicious and healthy dip. Enjoy it cold with pita, bread, or as a topping for your favorite foods.
This spicy garlic eggplant spread is made with roasted eggplant, carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce and, of course, garlic! This blend of flavors is so zesty, bright and addictive!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread
- Packed with Flavor: This spread combines the rich, smoky taste of roasted eggplant with garlic and veggies, making every bite delicious.
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can create this tasty appetizer without much effort.
- Versatile Appetizer: Serve it as a dip with pita or crackers, spread it on bread, or even use it as a topping for chicken or fish.
- Healthy and Light: Made with fresh vegetables, this spread is a healthier option that’s perfect for snacking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so you can make it ahead of time and keep it ready in the fridge.
This garlic eggplant is served cold and it makes a perfect party appetizer. There are many way to serve this eggplant spread – you can serve it as a dip with pita bread, or you can spread it on crackers, bread slices or bruschetta. You can also eat it with a spoon as a spicy salad or side dish. You can also use it as a sauce – spoon the garlic eggplant on top of a chicken breast or fish, and it will really spice up their flavor.
Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant – The main ingredient, roasted for a soft, smoky flavor.
- 1 bell pepper – Adds a mild sweetness and color to the spread.
- 2 carrots – Shredded to add texture and a slight sweetness.
- 2 onions – Adds depth and savoriness to the flavor.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Helps blend everything and adds a rich tomato flavor.
- 8 garlic cloves – Adds a strong, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the eggplant.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances and balances the flavors in the spread.
- 1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a mild heat and earthy flavor to the mix.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – Used for cooking the vegetables.
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – Adds a smooth, rich flavor to the finished spread.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread
- Baking Sheet – For roasting the eggplant in the oven.
- Fork – To pierce the eggplant before roasting.
- Food Processor – For shredding the carrots quickly and evenly.
- Large Non-Stick Frying Pan – Used to cook the vegetables for the spread.
- Spoon – For scooping out the eggplant flesh after roasting.
- Knife and Cutting Board – Essential for chopping and prepping the ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure seasonings like salt and pepper accurately.
- Measuring Cups – For precise measurement of liquid ingredients, such as the oils and tomato sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Line the baking sheet with foil. Put the eggplant on it and pierce with a fork. Put eggplant in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the eggplant is cooking, peel and chop the onions, peel the carrots and shred them in a food processor, and core and slice the bell pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan, over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, peel and mince the garlic.
- When the eggplant is done cooking, remove it from the oven. Carefully cut it in half and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Scoop the flesh out of the eggplant with a spoon and discard the peel. Chop up the eggplant flesh.
- Add the eggplant, minced garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, salt and pepper to the onion mixture in a frying pan. Mix thoroughly until combined. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- If necessary, add more salt to taste.
- Remove the garlic eggplant spread from heat. Let it cool, then chill in the refrigerator overnight. Serve cold.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this spread as a dip with warm homemade pita bread, croutons, or French toast for an easy appetizer.
- Spread it on toasted pitta chips or a toasted bagel for a tasty snack or party appetizer.
- Enjoy it as a cold side dish alongside grilled legs chicken or roasted carrots and sprout.
- Use it as a topping for grilled chicken kebabs, fish grouper, or even wrap steak to add extra flavor and a bit of spice.
- Spread a layer inside wraps or sandwiches for a flavorful twist.
Tips For Success
- Roast the Eggplant Thoroughly: Make sure the eggplant is fully roasted and tender. This step is key to achieving a soft texture and smoky flavor in the spread. If the eggplant isn’t soft after 30 minutes, roast it for a few extra minutes until it feels tender to the touch.
- Let the Eggplant Cool Before Handling: After roasting, allow the eggplant to cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle and helps you scoop out the flesh cleanly without getting bits of peel in the spread.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: This spread tastes best when it’s chilled. Letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight deepens the flavors and gives it a firmer texture. If you’re short on time, try to chill it for at least a few hours.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: After combining all the ingredients, taste the spread and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Some people like a bit more salt to bring out the eggplant’s flavor, while others might prefer an extra pinch of black pepper for heat.
- Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced garlic. Fresh garlic will give the spread a sharper, more vibrant taste that pairs perfectly with the roasted eggplant.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to the spread. Chop the herbs finely and mix them in at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the spread. This will enhance the spiciness without overpowering the garlic and eggplant flavors.
- Try Roasted Red Peppers: Substitute the bell pepper with roasted red peppers for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. Roasted red peppers also add a nice color contrast to the spread.
- Use Different Oils: If you don’t have extra-virgin olive oil, you can use regular olive oil or another light-tasting oil. For a slightly nutty flavor, you could even try a bit of sesame oil.
- Make It Creamier: For a richer texture, add a spoonful of tahini or a small amount of Greek yogurt. This variation works well if you prefer a creamy spread and pairs nicely with Mediterranean flavors.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store the Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, and the flavors may even improve over time as they blend together.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this spread for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: This spread is typically served cold, but if you prefer it warm, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overheat, as the flavors are best when lightly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spread without roasting the eggplant?
Yes, you can make it without roasting, but roasting adds a smoky flavor that enhances the taste. If you’re short on time, you could sauté the eggplant on the stovetop until soft, though the final flavor will be slightly different.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato sauce?
If you’re out of tomato sauce, try using tomato paste mixed with a bit of water or even a couple of chopped fresh tomatoes. Both options will still give you the rich tomato base, but you may need to cook them a bit longer to soften.
Is this spread spicy?
The spread has a mild spiciness from the garlic and black pepper, but it’s not overly hot. For more spice, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use this spread in other recipes?
Absolutely! This spread is versatile. Use it as a topping for grilled meats, a filling in sandwiches, or even as a sauce for pasta. It can also be mixed into grains like rice or quinoa for extra flavor.
How can I serve this to make it look nice for guests?
Serve it in a small bowl surrounded by pita, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil to add color and a bit of flair.
Other Easy Eggplant Recipes
Honey-Glazed Roasted Eggplant – Sweet, Healthy & Oven-Baked!: This honey-glazed roasted eggplant recipe brings a touch of sweetness to tender, oven-baked eggplant slices for a healthy side dish.
Air Fryer Chinese-Style Eggplant – Quick and Tasty!: Make flavorful Chinese-style eggplant in the air fryer with a savory sauce for a quick and delicious dish.
Simple Pan-Fried Eggplant and Zucchini Recipe: Enjoy a tasty mix of pan-fried eggplant and zucchini, perfect as a light side dish or veggie-packed main.
Easy Sautéed Eggplant Recipe: This easy sautéed eggplant recipe creates tender, flavorful bites with just a few simple ingredients.
Eggplant and Ground Beef Skillet: This hearty eggplant and ground beef skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for a quick dinner.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: Air fryer eggplant Parmesan is a lighter version of the classic, with crispy layers and cheesy goodness.
Mini Eggplant Pizzas in the Air Fryer: These mini eggplant pizzas are quick to make in the air fryer and make a perfect low-carb snack or appetizer.
Spicy Garlic Eggplant Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Spoon
- Non-stick Frying pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the whole eggplant on the sheet and pierce it with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the eggplant for 30 minutes, or until tender.
- While the eggplant roasts, peel and chop the onions. Peel the carrots and shred them using a food processor, and core and slice the bell pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions, shredded carrots, and sliced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until softened.
- Meanwhile, peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- When the eggplant finishes roasting, remove it from the oven. Carefully cut it in half and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Scoop out the flesh from the eggplant and discard the peel. Chop the eggplant flesh into smaller pieces.
- Add the eggplant, minced garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together and cook on medium heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary, adding more salt if desired.
- Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool before transferring to a container. Chill in the refrigerator overnight for best flavor. Serve cold.
Notes
- Enjoy as a dip, spread, or sauce. This spread improves in flavor as it sits, so overnight refrigeration is highly recommended.
Nutrition
Enjoy this yummy spicy garlic eggplant spread – it’s so addictive! If you like eggplant spreads, also check out Eggplant Caviar – it’s also really good!
