OK, I am obviously on a “simple to prepare, make it easy on myself, use up what I have on hand, and try to make it healthy” vegetable side dish kick! And boy oh boy do I have a treat for you! And we all have Nagi of recipetineats.com fame to thank. Of course, I did make a small adjustment to Nagi’s recipe by adding a bit of seasoned salt to the mix. But I add seasoned salt to all kinds of savory dishes because, well, it’s seasoned salt! Anyway, I made this dish last evening because I had one lone eggplant in my refrigerator veggie drawer that really needed to be used. And frankly, I didn’t want to spend any time at all on this portion of the meal. I wanted quick and easy to the max!

When I first looked at this recipe, I thought it couldn’t possibly work. Not enough flavor additives. But I have learned to trust Nagi’s recipes. So, with the addition of just a quarter teaspoon of seasoned salt, I have now found the perfect way to eat this delectable fruit. And yes, eggplant is a fruit. Although eggplants, like tomatoes, are often referred to as vegetables, they are both technically fruit, as they grow from a flowering plant and contain seeds. Cucumbers, avocados, zucchini, pumpkins, pea pods, bell peppers, and squash are also technically fruit.  

And just so you know, eggplant is considered good for us, as it is a low-calorie, high-fiber fruit packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants, which are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and help with blood sugar control and weight loss.

Of course, roasting the eggplant in extra virgin olive oil doesn’t hurt the overall appeal. I mean really, who do you know that can resist any veggie (or fruit) roasted in olive oil?  

So, next time you want a simple to prepare and reasonably healthy side dish, please consider this recipe. But be warned. I ate all but about 6 chunks of the entire eggplant because I just couldn’t stop putting chunk after chunk in my mouth. In fact, Mr. C. was lucky to get the small amount that he did! Granted, I love eggplant, but a whole eggplant in one sitting? Inconceivable!

Well, that’s it for today. The sun is shining, the sky is cloudless, and the mountains are showing off their beautiful winter mantles of snow. But snow is predicted for this Sunday. And of course, the only reason snow is likely, is because we have tickets to a ballet performance at Seattle Center that day. So, Seattle and environs residents, we apologize in advance for any inconvenience a snowstorm on Sunday causes you from our thoughtless ticket purchase.

And as always from our currently snow free home to yours, peace and love to all.        

1 med. eggplant

2 T. extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

¼ tsp. seasoned salt (see my favorite recipe below)

¼ tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

Line a small baking pan with parchment paper.

Do not peel the eggplant. Cut it into 1½-inch thick slices, then into 1½-inch chunks.

Stir the olive oil, seasoned salt, kosher salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl. Add the eggplant and stir until all the chunks are covered with oil. (If you need a bit more olive oil, go for it. But don’t overdo it. You want the chunks to be coated but not smothered.)

Bake in a pre-heated 450-degree oven for 20 minutes. Then turn and roast for another 5 minutes or until the edges are caramelized and the flesh is soft but not shriveled.

Serve hot out of the oven.

SEASONED SEA SALT (my favorite)

1 c. fine sea salt

3 T. finely ground black pepper (I cheat and use canned black pepper)

3 T. paprika

3 T. granulated garlic

3 T. granulated onion

2 tsp. celery salt

1 tsp. chili powder

pinch cayenne

Whisk or shake altogether and store in an airtight container.