Ina Garten’s Rustic Roasted Eggplant Spread Recipe

Roasted eggplant spread transforms humble vegetables into a luxurious culinary delight that captures Mediterranean warmth and rustic charm.

Smooth and velvety, this versatile preparation whispers stories of sun-drenched gardens and family gatherings around wooden tables.

Fresh ingredients mingle and dance, creating a symphony of deep, rich flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Garlic’s pungent notes weave through silky roasted vegetables, adding depth and complexity to each spoonful.

Vibrant colors and enticing aromas promise a sensory experience that transcends ordinary appetizers.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this spread a secret weapon in any home cook’s repertoire.

Perfect for gatherings, quiet moments of indulgence, or spontaneous culinary adventures, this spread invites you to savor each nuanced bite.

Why Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Spread Is So Smoky-Good

• Savor Effortless Roasting: This recipe transforms simple vegetables into a delightful spread with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Unlock Rich Mediterranean Flavors: Roasting eggplant, peppers, and onions at high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a deeply complex and intensely satisfying taste profile that bursts with rustic charm.
• Embrace Versatile Serving Options: This spread works wonderfully as a dip, sandwich condiment, or appetizer topping, offering incredible flexibility for casual gatherings, quick lunches, or elegant party snacks with zero complicated preparation.
• Experience Healthy One-Pan Convenience: By using a single baking sheet and minimal ingredients, this recipe delivers a nutritious, low-effort dish that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor and nutrient retention through gentle roasting techniques.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Eggplant Spread

Main Ingredients:

• Eggplant: A creamy, mild vegetable that becomes soft and sweet when roasted, providing the base for the spread.
• Bell Peppers: Sweet and slightly charred peppers that add depth and color to the roasted vegetable mixture.
• Onion: Adds a rich, caramelized flavor and aromatic base to the spread.
• Garlic: Brings a bold, intense flavor that complements the roasted vegetables.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps bind the spread together, adding a tangy richness.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil that helps roast the vegetables and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the roasted vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and completes the seasoning profile.

How to Make Roasted Eggplant Spread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating the perfect warm environment for roasting.

Step 2: Chop Vegetables

• Eggplant
• Bell peppers
• Onion

Step 3: Season Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything together until vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes.

Stir the vegetables once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Look for soft, slightly caramelized edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 6: Cool Down Vegetables

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted vegetables rest for 10-15 minutes.

Allow them to cool slightly, which helps develop deeper flavors.

Step 7: Create the Spread

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor.

Add tomato paste to the mixture.

Step 8: Blend and Season

Pulse the vegetables 3-4 times until they reach a rustic, chunky consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Tips for Silky and Bold Flavor

• Enhance Tanginess with Capers: Sprinkle in capers to add a bright, briny punch that cuts through the rich roasted vegetables.
• Roast Whole Garlic for Depth: Toss whole garlic cloves on the baking sheet to develop a mellow, sweet, and intense flavor that infuses the entire spread.
• Freshen with Herbs: Chop fresh basil or parsley and fold into the spread for a vibrant, garden-fresh taste that lifts the entire dish.
• Adjust Consistency Easily: If the spread feels too thick, drizzle in a bit of olive oil or water to achieve that perfect, silky smooth texture.
• Boost Smokiness with Grilling: Char the eggplant and peppers on the grill before roasting to introduce a delicious smoky dimension that adds complexity to the spread.

How to Store Eggplant Spread Properly

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in freshness by transferring the roasted eggplant spread into vacuum-sealed bags. Remove all air completely to prevent oxidation and maintain the vibrant flavors for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Invest in a home vacuum sealer for optimal preservation.
• Glass Jar Storage: Transfer the spread to clean, sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Create an extra protective layer by pouring a thin film of olive oil on top before sealing. Refrigerate and consume within 5 days for maximum taste and quality.
• Portion Freezing Technique: Divide the spread into small silicone ice cube trays or individual portion containers before freezing. This approach allows quick thawing of precise amounts without compromising the entire batch's texture. Label each portion with the date and use within 3 months for best results.

Eggplant Spread Variations from Ina’s Kitchen

• Mediterranean Garden Blend: Elevate the spread by adding chopped kalamata olives and fresh basil leaves for a tangy, herbaceous Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Smoky Pepper Infusion: Incorporate roasted poblano peppers and a dash of smoked paprika to create a deeper, more complex smoky undertone that transforms the original recipe.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Mix in fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for a zesty, vibrant spread that adds exciting heat and brightness to the classic recipe.
• Creamy Mediterranean Fusion: Blend in some crumbled feta cheese and Greek yogurt after roasting to create a rich, creamy version of the original eggplant spread with a tangy finish.

Wrapping Up Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Spread

Mediterranean magic awaits with Ina Garten’s roasted eggplant spread.

Rustic flavors meld seamlessly in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Robust vegetables roasted to perfection create an irresistible appetizer for any gathering.

Mediterranean kitchens whisper culinary secrets through this delectable preparation.

Sophisticated palates will appreciate the harmonious blend of smoky eggplant and caramelized peppers.

Fire up those taste buds and dive into this sensational spread that promises to elevate your appetizer game – sharing is caring, so snap a photo, spread the recipe love, and let fellow cooking enthusiasts know about this incredible dish.

Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Spread Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted eggplant spread brings Mediterranean charm to your table with smoky, rich flavors. Garlic, tahini, and roasted eggplant blend into a creamy dip that will make you dream of sunny Greek islands and casual weekend entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 medium eggplant, peeled
• 2 red bell peppers, seeds removed
• 1 red onion, peeled

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ground
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

Cooking Liquid:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by warming it to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an even heating environment for roasting vegetables.
2. Transform eggplant, bell peppers, and onion into uniform 1-inch cubes, maintaining consistent size for balanced roasting.
3. Combine the chopped vegetables in a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse flavor.
4. Arrange the seasoned vegetable medley across a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to promote optimal caramelization.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing vegetables to roast for approximately 45 minutes until they develop a tender texture and golden-brown edges.
6. Midway through roasting, gently rotate the vegetables using a spatula to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
7. Remove the baking sheet and permit the roasted vegetables to cool slightly, enabling flavors to settle and intensify.
8. Transfer the warm vegetable mixture into a food processor, introducing tomato paste as a binding agent for enhanced depth and richness.
9. Pulse the ingredients 3-4 times, creating a rustic, textured consistency while maintaining distinct vegetable characteristics.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra salt or pepper as needed to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Roast eggplant until very soft.
• Use a food processor for smooth texture.
• Add a touch of lemon for brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 188 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg