Smoky Roasted Eggplant Coins (Printable Version)
Golden eggplant rounds with smoked paprika and cumin, roasted until tender and caramelized at the edges.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium eggplants (about 1½ lbs total), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
04 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
09 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
10 - 1 lemon, cut into wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place the eggplant rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each slice for even roasting.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each eggplant round with the marinade mixture.
05 - Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the eggplant is golden, tender, and slightly crisp at the edges.
06 - Transfer the roasted eggplant to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The smoked paprika does most of the heavy lifting, giving you deep campfire flavor without ever touching a grill.
- These come together on a single sheet pan with zero fancy technique, which means weeknight dinner wins without the stress.
02 -
- Slicing the eggplant too thin will give you crispy chips instead of tender coins, and too thick means rubbery centers, so aim for that half inch sweet spot.
- Letting the eggplant sit after brushing with oil for about five minutes helps the salt draw out excess moisture for better caramelization.
03 -
- A pinch of chipotle powder in the marinade takes the smokiness to a level that makes people close their eyes when they take the first bite.
- Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before sprinkling them on doubles their flavor with almost zero extra effort.