Spicy Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features roasted or pan-fried eggplant seasoned with warm spices and chili heat, topped with a refreshing garlic-lemon yogurt sauce. It works beautifully as a vegetarian main, a side dish, or part of a mezze spread.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Spicy Eggplant:
2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes or thick slices
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½–1 tsp chili flakes
½ tsp ground coriander
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Eggplant
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) OR heat a large skillet over medium-high.
Toss eggplant cubes with olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, coriander (if using), salt, and pepper.
If roasting: Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
If pan-frying: Cook in batches for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and soft.
Assemble & Serve
Arrange eggplant on a platter.
Drizzle with yogurt sauce.
Sprinkle with parsley/mint and optional pomegranate seeds.
Notes & Tips
Bitterness Tip: If your eggplant is older, sprinkle slices with salt and let sit 20 minutes before cooking, then pat dry.
Extra Heat: Add fresh chopped chili peppers along with the spices.
Serving Idea: Pairs beautifully with warm pita, flatbread, or over couscous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — roast the eggplant in advance and store in the fridge, then warm before adding the yogurt sauce.
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek?
A: Yes, but strain it for 15–20 minutes through cheesecloth to make it thicker.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~165 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 210mg