Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta, served with Spinach and Cucumber Salad

This dish combines the hearty flavors of baked eggplant with a tangy tomato sauce and creamy feta cheese. Paired with a refreshing spinach and cucumber salad, it's a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe brings together Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that are both healthy and delicious.

Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta Ingredients

For the Eggplant:

▪️ 1 large eggplant
▪️ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

▪️ 1 cup tomato sauce
▪️ 1 small onion, finely chopped
▪️ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▪️ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▪️ 1 teaspoon dried basil
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste
▪️ 1 cup fresh spinach

For Assembly:

▪️ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

How to make Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta

For the Eggplant:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds.

Step 3: Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.

For the Tomato Sauce:

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Assembling the Dish:

Step 1: Once the eggplant is baked, top each slice with a generous spoonful of the tomato and spinach sauce.

Step 2: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 3: Return the eggplant slices to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the feta is slightly melted.

Spinach and Cucumber Salad Ingredients

For the Salad:

▪️ 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
▪️ 1 cucumber, diced
▪️ ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
▪️ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▪️ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Spinach and Cucumber Salad

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Overview of Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta

Fun Facts about Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta

▪️ Eggplants are botanically classified as berries.
▪️ The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that eggplants caused insanity, which is why they were called "mad apples."
▪️ Feta cheese is a protected designation of origin (PDO) product in the European Union, meaning only cheese made in a traditional way in certain areas of Greece can be called "feta."

Baked Eggplant with Tomato Sauce and Feta Pairing Suggestions

▪️ Pair this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc to complement the fresh flavors.
▪️ Serve with a side of warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
▪️ A light, citrusy dessert like lemon sorbet would be a perfect end to this meal.

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