Melitzanes Imam

Jun 09, 2023June 9, 20230 3

A delicious Mediterranean appetizer with eggplant as the star ingredient

by The Chefin Appetizer

Prep

10 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

164

Sugar

Fat

12g

Melitzanes Imam is a classic Mediterranean dish that features eggplant as the star ingredient. The dish is rich and flavorful, with a tomato-based sauce that is spiced with cinnamon, garlic, and onion. The eggplant is roasted until it is soft and then scooped out and added to the tomato sauce mixture. The resulting dish is a delicious appetizer or side dish that is perfect for entertaining. Melitzanes Imam can be served hot or at room temperature with pita bread or toasted bread. It is a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat when guests arrive.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2.	Cut eggplant in half lengthwise and score the flesh with diagonal criss-cross slashes. Brush eggplant halves with olive oil and place cut side down in a baking dish
3.	Roast eggplant in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft and easily scoopable. Remove from oven and let cool.
4.	While the eggplant is roasting, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to combine. Stir in cinnamon, salt, and pepper and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5.	When the eggplant is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and add it to the tomato sauce mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
6.	Serve hot or at room temperature with pita bread or toasted bread.

PROS

Melitzanes Imam is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make.

Eggplant is a low-calorie, fiber-rich vegetable that is high in antioxidants and may help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for easy entertaining.

CONS

Eggplant can be bitter if not prepared properly.

The dish can be high in sodium if canned tomatoes are used.

Melitzanes Imam may not be a familiar dish to everyone and may not be enjoyed by all palates.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The eggplant in Melitzanes Imam is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Studies have shown that the antioxidants in eggplant may help protect against certain types of cancer and improve heart health.

	1 eggplant
	1 can diced tomatoes , drained
	1 tablespoon tomato paste
	1 medium onion , chopped
	1 tablespoon minced garlic , or to taste
	1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , or to taste
	3 tablespoons olive oil
	salt and pepper to taste