Elevate your culinary repertoire with this delightful recipe for baked garlic eggplants, complemented by a luscious creamy garlic sauce. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of roasted eggplants with the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs, resulting in a side or main dish that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a star at your next gathering, these baked eggplants are sure to impress with their taste and simplicity.
Ingredients:
For the Eggplants:
- 3 eggplants
- Fresh parsley (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tsp Italian herbs
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- 1 tsp dried garlic
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplants:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern.
- Place the eggplants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Season the Eggplants:
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Brush the mixture generously over the cut sides of the eggplants, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake the Eggplants:
- Bake the eggplants in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and golden brown.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, dried garlic, paprika, and olive oil until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the baked eggplants.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Conclusion:
This recipe for baked garlic eggplants with creamy garlic sauce is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into a gourmet experience. The tender, flavorful eggplants paired with the zesty, creamy sauce make for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This recipe is both simple and satisfying, perfect for experienced cooks and beginners alike. Enjoy it as a standout side or a satisfying main course, and delight in the rich, garlicky goodness with every bite.