Introduce your taste buds to the bold and sumptuous world of Mediterranean-inspired flavors with this Spicy Red Pepper Eggplant Confit. This slow-cooked vegan dish brings together tender roasted eggplant, smoky sweet red bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, all gently simmered in rich olive oil infused with fresh thyme and a kick of crushed red chili flakes. Perfect as a versatile spread, a vibrant side dish, or a savory topping for pasta or crusty bread, this confit is as cozy as it is elegant. With minimal prep and simple roasting and stovetop techniques, this recipe achieves a deeply flavorful slow-cooked intensity that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and gluten-free, making it an ideal dish for sharing.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the eggplants and red bell peppers. Prick the eggplants all over with a fork to prevent them from bursting while roasting. Place the eggplants and bell peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the vegetables for 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bell peppers are charred and the eggplants are soft and collapsing. Remove from the oven.
Transfer the roasted bell peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes to make the skins easier to peel. Once cool, peel the peppers and remove the seeds. Cut them into strips.
Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and add them to the oil along with the crushed red chili flakes. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown.
Add the eggplant cubes and red pepper strips to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the vegetables in the seasoned oil.
Add the thyme sprigs, salt, and black pepper. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and infused with the oil.
Remove from heat. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish, spread on bread, or a topping for pasta. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving size | (1721.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2470.1 |
Total Fat 227.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 35.6g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.0g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 4719.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 97.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 42.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 54.2g | |
Protein 17.0g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 180.4mg | 0% |
Iron 7.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 3527.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories