Description
Eggplant and Zucchini Sauté is a flavorful vegetable dish combining tender diced eggplant, zucchini, onion, and garlic cooked in olive oil with tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs. This sauté is simmered to meld flavors perfectly, offering a healthy, colorful, and versatile side or main course in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound eggplant, diced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by dicing the eggplant and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced eggplant and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften.
- Stir in the diced zucchini, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For substitutions, use yellow squash instead of zucchini or fresh tomatoes if canned are unavailable. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking. If the eggplant is too bitter, soak diced pieces in salt water for 30 minutes before cooking and rinse. Adjust seasoning as needed during cooking to balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean