How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare the eggplant and sauce a day in advance, refrigerate, and assemble before baking.

What can I substitute for harissa?

Use sriracha or a homemade blend of chili paste with spices.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta alternative.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze it in portions for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot.

Spicy Tunisian Eggplant Casserole with Harissa and Mint

Name: Spicy Tunisian Eggplant Casserole with Harissa and Mint
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants; 1 tablespoon salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons harissa paste; 2 cloves garlic; 1 onion; 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes; 1 tablespoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Prepared eggplant; Prepared harissa sauce; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

A hearty, flavor-packed dish with rich spices and fresh herbs

Dive into this vibrant Tunisian casserole where tender eggplant meets fiery harissa, all mellowed down with a dash of fresh mint.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Eggplant Preparation

2 medium eggplants

cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Harissa Sauce

3 tablespoons harissa paste

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 onion

finely chopped

1 can (14 oz) tomatoes

crushed

1 tablespoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole Assembly

Prepared eggplant

Prepared harissa sauce

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley

chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

Marinating the Eggplant

Toss Eggplant

In a large bowl, toss the eggplant cubes with salt.

Rest Eggplant

Let sit for 20 minutes to release moisture.

Pro Tip: Try roasting the eggplants for added smokiness before assembling the casserole.

Dry Eggplant

Rinse and pat dry.

Preparing the Harissa Sauce

Heat Oil

Heat olive oil in a pan.

Sauté Aromatics

Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Combine & Cook Sauce

Add harissa paste, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.

Ensure harissa levels are adjusted to your spice tolerance.

Cooking Process

Assemble Casserole

Layer roasted eggplant and harissa sauce in a baking dish.

Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake casserole for 25-30 minutes.

Final Touch

Top with mint, parsley, and feta before serving.

Plating & Serving