Air Fryer Eggplant with Garlic and Oregano
A quick and flavorful side dish, perfect for any meal.
Steps
- 1
Wash the eggplant and slice into 1 cm thick rounds. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Brush each slice on both sides with the oil and spice mixture.
- 4
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- 5
Arrange the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.
Shopping list
1 medium aubergine, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt (to taste), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
Recipe story
Eggplants originated in India and were cultivated in ancient China as early as the 5th century. They spread to the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin through Arab trade. In Mediterranean cuisine, eggplants are prized for their versatile texture and ability to absorb flavors. This modern air fryer recipe retains the essence of traditional preparations, offering a crispy and flavorful side dish.
Ingredient Secrets
Black pepper
Known as 'black gold' in antiquity, pepper was so valuable that it served as currency and tribute. In the Middle Ages, Venetian merchants controlled the pepper trade, and individual peppercorns were often counted. Legend has it that when Alaric, king of the Visigoths, demanded tribute from Rome, he included 3,000 pounds of pepper.
Sea salt
Sea salt, extracted from ocean waters by evaporation, was one of the most precious goods of antiquity, used both as food and as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt, which is the origin of the word 'salary'. Salt roads connected entire civilizations, and in the Middle Ages, salt was so valuable it was called 'white gold'.
Oregano
Oregano, also known as 'mountain joy', was used by ancient Greeks as an antidote for poisons and a symbol of happiness. In the Middle Ages, it was planted on graves to ensure peace for the souls.
Garlic
Native to Central Asia, garlic was already known in ancient Egypt, where it was given to slaves to boost their strength. In ancient Greece, athletes consumed it before competitions, and in Rome, legionaries considered it essential for courage. During the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off vampires and the plague.
Olive oil
Originating in the Mediterranean basin, olive oil was already produced in ancient Crete 5,000 years ago. In ancient Greece, it was considered a gift from Athena and used in lamps, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. The Romans spread it throughout the empire, and in the Middle Ages, monasteries preserved the tradition of its production.
Eggplant
Although the name 'eggplant' suggests a connection to eggs, this purple vegetable actually originates from India, where it was cultivated over 4,000 years ago. Arabs introduced eggplants to Europe during the Middle Ages.
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