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Simple Herb and Eggplant Appetizer with Walnuts

Are you looking for a healthy appetizer under 30 minutes? This one is a must try! This Herb Eggplant Appetizer with Walnuts is definitely a no-guilt starter.

eggplant appetizer with herbs and walnuts.

What’s so great about eggplant?

Lately, I’ve been remembering all the great food my mom used to cook when I was growing up. She was a pretty decent chef! One of my favorite recipes that she prepared is her delicious Eggplant Rolls.

Now, not everyone is in the eggplant lovers club, but I believe that’s just because they haven’t tried it when prepared well. I have always been an eggplant lover (thanks, Mom!), and was happy to hear that one cup of cooked, cubed eggplant contains only 20-35 calories.

This dish doesn’t take a long time to make, so I always enjoy making it. Eggplant recipes aren’t hard to make in general, so if this is your first time, you’re in for an amazing treat. Next time you could try an easy make-ahead summer eggplant salad or an eggplant dip!

These are Georgian eggplant rolls, a traditional dish that are super easy to make. You can find them on the menu of some Georgian restaurants. Sometimes it can even be in the form of an eggplant walnut dip.

The dish may be different, but the flavors are the same. It makes quite a healthy dip! It’s nice to know that you can take the same ingredients and put them together in different ways. For example, baba ganoush.

eggplant rolls filled with herbs with parsley leaves on the sides on a beige plate.

What are the benefits of eggplant?

I found a few more reasons to love eggplant, too; it contains fiber, which helps protect the digestive tract and control diabetes. While you can take the skin off the eggplant for this recipe, I encourage you to leave it on. The skin contains nasunin, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger shown to protect the lipids in brain cell membranes. I guess that kind of makes eggplant brain food!

Another one of the important main ingredients in this recipe is garlic. It adds such a delicious taste when rolled up with the eggplant and makes the first bite rich in garlic tones. With its inflammation-fighting properties and vitamin C, it supports your immune system.

Key Ingredients:

herb and eggplant appetizer ingredients walnuts, olive oil, eggplant, salt, garlic, sour cream, dill, and parsley.

First gather the ingredients, which are simple yet contain a whole lot of nutrition.

Eggplant: You will need a medium-sized eggplant. If you’re using small eggplants, make less of the herb mixture. If you’re using large eggplants, don’t forget to add more of the herb mixture.

Herbs: Only fresh parsley, cilantro, and dill. Dried herbs will not work for this recipe.

Sour Cream: You can also substitute for mayonnaise, if you prefer it.

Walnuts are a great nut that boost memory and brain benefits. You’ll need a half cup of walnuts (about 50 grams of walnuts.)

Garlic: Several garlic cloves give a great flavor kick to this side dish.

Extra virgin olive oil: For frying the eggplant slices. You may use any oil you like, but try to use a light one, preferably a vegetable oil.

Salt: You’ll need a teaspoon or two to your taste, to season the eggplant.

Keep some paper towels nearby, you’ll need them to take off some of the excess oil.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

How to make a Simple Herb and Eggplant Appetizer with Walnuts

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

Wash and slice the eggplant. You may choose to peel the skin off or leave it on. There are health benefits in the skin, so I prefer to leave the skin on. Add a pinch of salt to each eggplant slice.

Eggplant slices on a wooden board with salt on the side.

Step 2: Fry the eggplant

Over medium heat, heat olive oil in a large skillet then place the slices in heated oil. You can also grill the eggplant slices instead. Fry each side for 2 minutes, or until they’re a light golden brown color.

eggplant slices sauteing in a black skillet.

Step 3: Pat the slices dry

Pat dry eggplant slices with a paper towel.

sauteed eggplant slices on a paper towel with a beige plate underneath.

Step 4: Combine the spread

Combine garlic, fresh herbs, walnuts, and sour cream in a food processor. Blend until smooth.

blended herb filling in a food processor.

Step 5: Spread out the mixture

Spread herb mixture on each eggplant slice.

eggplant slices with herb mix spread out on them and one slice rolled up on a beige plate with a spoon.

Step 6: Roll and enjoy

Roll the eggplant up and enjoy. Don’t forget your serving plate!

eggplant appetizer with herbs and walnuts.

Expert Tips

  • Tips and tricks for this soft eggplant appetizer:
  • Choosing a longer eggplant is helpful when making more servings of this delicious recipe. That way, I can have nice and large rolls.
  • A sharp knife will help you smoothly chop your eggplant slices, and thin as well. The eggplant will soften as it’s fried.
  • For the frying portion, don’t hesitate to get out a deep skillet. You’ll have enough oil to fry them but if you want to add more, it’s up to you. The amount of oil may be 3 Tablespoons. If you’re making more eggplant than the servings in this recipe, then you can always adjust.
  • Make the gluten free herb mixture ahead of time! You can prep it several hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. When you’re ready and have fried the eggplant slices, it’ll be ready to go.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?

I recommend making the herb mixture ahead of time, then frying the eggplant and assembling when you’re ready.

How thin should I slice the eggplant for rolling?

Aim for thin slices, about ¼ inch or less, to ensure they are pliable enough for rolling.

How do I prevent the rolled eggplant from falling apart?

Ensure that the walnut-herb mixture is spread evenly. Roll the eggplant slices gently but firmly to hold the shape.

a beige plate with herb filled eggplant rolls with parsley.

Did you enjoy this traditional Georgian eggplant appetizer? You might love some more Georgian food recipes:

Other eggplant recipes

If you tried this Herb and Eggplant Appetizer with Walnuts or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!

a beige plate with herb filled eggplant rolls with parsley.

Simple Herb and Eggplant Appetizer with Walnuts

A easy and simple eggplant appetizer, with a nut and herb mixture.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, Starters and Sides
Cuisine: Georgian
Allergy: Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Vegetarian
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings7 rolls
Calories: 134kcal
Author: Marina Rizhkov

Equipment

  • food processor
  • tongs
  • Serving plate

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium eggplant, ½ inch slices
  • salt
  • 1 cup fresh dill
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 Tbsp sour cream
  • ½ cup walnuts
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced

Instructions

  • Wash and slice the eggplant. You may choose to peel the skin off or leave it on. There are health benefits in the skin, so I prefer to leave the skin on. Add a pinch of salt to each eggplant slice.
    1 medium eggplant,, salt
    eggplant slices on a cutting board.
  • Over medium heat, heat olive oil in a large skillet then place the slices in heated oil. You can also grill the eggplant slices instead. Fry each side for 2 minutes, or until they’re a light golden brown color.
    3 Tbsp olive oil
    eggplant slices sauteing in a black skillet.
  • Pat dry eggplant slices with a paper towel.
    1 medium eggplant,
    sauteed eggplant slices on a paper towel with a beige plate underneath.
  • Combine garlic, fresh herbs, walnuts, and sour cream in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
    1 cup fresh dill, 1 cup fresh parsley, 1 cup fresh cilantro, 1 Tbsp sour cream, 2 cloves of garlic, ½ cup walnuts
    blended herb filling in a food processor.
  • Spread herb mixture on each eggplant slice.
    eggplant slices with herb mix spread out on them and one slice rolled up on a beige plate with a spoon.
  • Roll the eggplant up and enjoy. Don't forget your serving plate!

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1422IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
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