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Eggplant with Honey, Crispy Garlic and Ricotta

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: basil, cilantro, eggplant, garlic, gluten free, honey, Ricotta, vegetarian
Servings: 4 people
Author: GFchow @ gfchow.com

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant (medium to large sized) sliced into rounds
  • kosher salt for salting the eggplant and as needed for seasoning
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more as needed
  • 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 1 tablespoon honey your favorite type, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes to taste
  • torn fresh cilantro or basil leaves optional

Instructions

  • Slice eggplant into 1/2" rounds.
  • Sprinkle eggplant lightly with salt, and let sit while heating the skillet.
  • Heat a large skillet on medium. When hot, add oil and heat until oil is shimmering. Pat eggplant dry if necessary, then arrange in a single layer in the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to prevent crowding. (Eggplant quickly soaks up oil so when you flip the eggplant, feel free to add more oil to the pan.)
  • Cook until softened and golden brown, about 15 minutes total (approx 8 mins on the first side).
  • Transfer cooked eggplant to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle very lightly with more salt.
  • When all eggplant is cooked and removed from the pan, reduce heat to low. Add a little more oil (approx. 1 tablespoon) and then add garlic slices on top of oil. Cook until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer garlic to the paper towel-lined plate with the eggplant.

To Assemble

  • Spread ricotta on a serving plate. Top with eggplant and crispy garlic. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and cilantro or basil.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe would also be delicious with Japanese Eggplant. If using, slice into spears.
If ricotta isn’t your thing, try using whipped goat or feta cheese.
If watching your calories, low-fat ricotta can be substituted for the whole milk ricotta.
Whatever you do…DON’T omit the Crispy Garlic Slices. They are so good!
Use whatever honey you prefer. Truffle honey would be fabulous!
If you don’t have cilantro or basil, just omit.