Eggplant Bites Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Snack You’ll Want to Make Every Day!

Eggplant Bites Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Snack You’ll Want to Make Every Day!

Ingredients

• Eggplants: 2 medium-sized, diced into small cubes
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely chopped
• Cherry Tomatoes: 10, diced
• Cottage Cheese: 180 g (6 oz)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Parmesan Cheese: 100 g (4 oz), grated
• Breadcrumbs: To taste (for topping)
• Basil: Fresh, chopped to taste
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: For sautéing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplants

1. Wash and Dice: Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly and dicing them into small, even-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Cook the Eggplants: Add the diced eggplants to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the eggplants are softened and slightly golden. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, set the eggplants aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked eggplants, diced cherry tomatoes, cottage cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil.
2. Mix Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The mixture should be well-blended but still slightly chunky.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done preparing the muffin tin.
2. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or line it with baking cups to prevent sticking.
3. Fill the Cups: Spoon the eggplant mixture into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full. This allows room for the bites to expand slightly as they bake.
4. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the tops of each filled cup with breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture to the finished bites.

Step 4: Bake the Eggplant Bites

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The eggplant bites should be set and golden brown on top when done.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the bites to cool slightly in the pan before carefully removing them. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Transfer the eggplant bites to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for an extra touch of color and flavor.
2. Enjoy: These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile option for any meal or gathering.

Tips and Variations

• Add Extra Herbs: Enhance the flavor with additional herbs like oregano or thyme. These herbs complement the eggplants beautifully and add a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Twist: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the mixture. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
•  Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different  cheeses such as mozzarella or feta for a different texture and taste.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: Makes approximately 12 bites
• Calories: 80 per bite
• Protein: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg