Spicy Aubergine (Eggplant) Fries

Technically it's not a fries as it's baked in the oven with just a little oil to prevent eggplants from absorbing too much oil in it. 

Ingredients:

2 eggplants
2 tablespoons salt
2-3 rosemary sprigs, finely chopped
pinch of cayenne pepper
2 tbsp olive oil 
1 tsp granulated garlic

Cut eggplants lengthwise  into 1/2 inch  strips, mix with salt and set aside for 30 minutes. 
Preheat the oven to 450 F/230C.
Rinse  the eggplants under a running water to remove excess of salt, pat dry with the towel (or paper towel). 
In a large bowl combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic and cayenne pepper and coat eggplants in the mixture by tossing it a few times. 
Transfer to a baking sheet and place on a middle rack in the oven. 
Bake 25-30 minutes, turning the baking sheet 180 degrees half way through the baking. 

Warning: highly addictive! :)

See you,
Marina

Risotto and baked eggplants (aubergine)

Eggplants and potato "risotto"

The idea for this dish came to me while I was watching the final episode of  Gordon Ramsay's Best Restaurant (on Netflix), where one of the finalists, Casamia, had on their winning menu "risotto" made with potatoes. I loved the idea as much as I love potatoes and I decided to make it for dinner tonight. 
I baked  this eggplants, then topped it with my version of potato "risotto", Pecorino cheese, and broiled it for 5 minutes. 
We loved every bit of it, no leftovers tonight.

What was your treat to yourself tonight?

See you,
Marina