A vegetarian-friendly crowd-pleaser, One-Pot Greek Eggplant with Rice will transport you to the Mediterranean coast. Thanks to the soft eggplant and fluffy Success® White Rice, not one drop of those irresistible Greek flavors will be lost!
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions.
Step 2
Meanwhile, heat oil in large ovenproof skillet set over medium heat. Add eggplant and season with salt and black pepper; cook for 3 to 5 mins or until starting to brown. Transfer to plate and set aside.
Step 3
Stir onion, garlic and oregano into skillet; cook for 3 to 5 mins or until onions are starting to soften. Stir in tomatoes, broth, lemon juice and bay leaf; bring to boil. Cook for 15 mins. Stir in rice and reserved eggplant in the last 5 mins of cooking. Remove and discard bay leaf.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving if desired.
A great dish is more than the sum of its parts, but the best meals require great ingredients. Let’s start with the headliner: how do you select ripe eggplants?
– Color: The skin should have a shiny sheen and a uniform color. While you may be more accustomed to the deep purple variety, striped eggplants, known as graffiti eggplants, are sweeter — just in case you are craving a sweet and savory dish!
– Texture: Give your eggplant a light squeeze — if it’s ripe, it’ll leave an imprint!
– Size: Bigger is not better; in general, larger eggplants are drier and less flavorful.
– Root: The stem is also a way to identify if an eggplant is good to go: it should be a moist, vibrant green.
Vibrant and versatile, eggplants will add some oomph to your mealtime routine. Whether you want Crispy Eggplant in a Tomato Rice Bowl, a traditional eggplant parmesan, or a heartwarming Mediterranean Eggplant, Turkey and Rice Casserole, this vegetable will really hit the spot!
Pro-tip: In order to improve the quality of the texture and flavor of your vegetable, you’ll want it to sweat for a bit. Salt your cut eggplant — ideally for an hour, but even a couple of minutes can make a notable difference in both breaking down the spongy consistency and reducing bitterness.
Fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and hints of citrus are just a few of the characteristics of Greek cuisine. Enjoy even more of those warm Mediterranean flavors by adding paprika and a smidge of cinnamon! Top with juicy kalamata olives and creamy feta like in this quick and easy Greek Chicken and Rice Salad!
Looking for new ways to cook your rice? Check out this: Spanish rice seasoning.