Eggplant & Feta Flat Bread Pizza
The scent of grilling eggplant always transports me back to summer evenings in Tuscany. My family and I were renting a small villa, and the local market was overflowing with vibrant produce. This Eggplant & Feta Flat Bread Pizza is my attempt to recreate that feeling of rustic simplicity and bold Mediterranean flavors. The smokiness of the grilled eggplant combined with the salty tang of feta creates a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 flatbread pizzas
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds and quartered
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seed, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 pieces flat bread
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup kalamata olive, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Equipment Needed
- Grill
- Large bowl
- Baking pan
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Simultaneously, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, combine the quartered eggplant, 1/4 cup of olive oil, crushed cumin seeds, and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure the eggplant is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Grill the eggplant until it is just cooked through and slightly softened, approximately 8 minutes. Remove the grilled eggplant from the grill and set aside.
- Brush both sides of each piece of flat bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Place the oiled flat bread on the preheated grill and grill for 5 minutes.
- Turn the flat bread over. Evenly distribute the grilled eggplant, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and ground pepper over the top of each flat bread.
- Continue grilling for an additional 5 minutes, or until the feta cheese is slightly softened and the flat bread is heated through.
- Transfer the flat bread pizzas to a baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 8 minutes to ensure the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For a deeper smoky flavor, try using wood chips, like mesquite or hickory, in your grill while cooking the eggplant.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the eggplant in the oven. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, cumin and salt. Roast at 400F for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
- To prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy, don’t overload it with toppings. A light, even layer is key.
- If your feta is particularly salty, you can soak it in cold water for 15-20 minutes before crumbling to reduce the saltiness. Pat it dry before using.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the ground pepper.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve your Eggplant & Feta Flat Bread Pizza immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory flavors.
Leftover flatbread pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the pizza on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in a microwave, but the crust will be softer. It is not recommended to freeze the pizza as the texture of the eggplant and flatbread may change upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 333.5 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 273 g | 82% |
| Total Fat | 30.4 g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g | 43% |
| Cholesterol | 33.4 mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 714.6 mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11 g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 21% |
| Sugars | 4.8 g | 19% |
| Protein | 7 g | 14% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbread for a gluten-free option.
- Vegan: Substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative. You can find these made from nuts, soy, or other plant-based ingredients.
- Different Cheese: Try using goat cheese, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in place of feta.
- Add Some Greens: Top the flatbread with fresh arugula or spinach after baking for added freshness and nutrients.
- Mediterranean Medley: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for a more complex Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the eggplant mixture or drizzle with a spicy olive oil.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can grill the eggplant ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the flatbread pizza just before baking for the best results.
Q: What type of flatbread is best for this recipe?
A: Any sturdy flatbread will work well. Look for naan, pita bread, or commercially available flatbreads in your grocery store.
Q: Can I use a different type of olive?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Kalamata olives with another variety of your choice, such as green olives or Castelvetrano olives.
Q: How do I prevent the flatbread from becoming soggy?
A: Be sure to brush both sides of the flatbread with olive oil before grilling. This creates a barrier that helps prevent the toppings from soaking into the bread. Also, don’t overload the flatbread with too many toppings.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can bake the eggplant in the oven. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, cumin, and salt, then roast it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender. You can also cook the flatbread pizzas entirely in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll try this Eggplant & Feta Flat Bread Pizza and experience the delightful combination of smoky, salty, and savory flavors. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and herbs to create your own unique masterpiece. Don’t forget to share your creations and feedback! Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!