African-inspired Spiced Eggplant with Cane Syrup

Ingredients

In this African adaptation of the Spanish dish "Berenjenas con miel de caña," we infuse the eggplant with African spices to give it a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we substitute the traditional Spanish honey with cane syrup, which is commonly used in African cuisine. These changes add a distinct African twist to the dish while still maintaining its essence. We alse have the original recipe for Berenjenas con miel de caña, so you can check it out.

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds (500g) 2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds (500g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (5g) 1 teaspoon ground coriander (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5g) 1/2 teaspoon paprika (2.5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup cane syrup (60ml) 1/4 cup cane syrup (60ml)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 29g, 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and salt.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the eggplant slices.
5. 5.
   Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden.
6. 6.
   Remove the eggplant from the oven and drizzle the cane syrup over the slices.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To reduce the bitterness of the eggplant, sprinkle salt over the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and patting dry.
• Cane syrup — If you can't find cane syrup, you can substitute it with molasses or maple syrup for a similar flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve the dish with a side of couscous or rice to make it a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as mint or parsley, to add a fresh twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a softer texture, you can grill the eggplant slices instead of baking them.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more or less cane syrup according to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Eggplant with Cane Syrup as an appetizer or a side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own with a side of crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the baked eggplant slices on a platter and drizzle the cane syrup over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the dish warm to showcase its enticing aroma.