Elevate your appetizer game with these Rustic Eggplant Toasts topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts. This dish combines the earthy flavors of roasted eggplant with the tangy richness of goat cheese and the nutty crunch of walnuts, all enhanced by the fresh fragrance of thyme. Perfect as a starter or a light snack, these toasts are a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will impress any guest. Easy to prepare yet elegant in presentation, this recipe is a must-try for those looking to add a touch of gourmet to their meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, cut into 0.5-inch (1.25cm) thick slices
- ½ tablespoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (75g) goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup (40g) chopped walnuts
- 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs, stemmed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant:
- Start by placing the eggplant slices on a large baking sheet or in a colander. Sprinkle both sides generously with ½ tablespoon of salt. Allow the eggplant to sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- After resting, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt, and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Roast the Eggplant:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with extra-virgin olive oil and season with fresh ground black pepper.
- Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the slices are golden brown and tender.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- While the eggplant is roasting, chop the walnuts and stem the thyme sprigs. Set aside the crumbled goat cheese, so it’s ready for assembling the toasts.
- Assemble the Toasts:
- Once the eggplant slices are roasted and slightly cooled, transfer them to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Top each slice with a generous amount of crumbled goat cheese, allowing it to slightly melt into the warm eggplant.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the goat cheese, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Finally, scatter the fresh thyme leaves over the toasts for a fragrant and herbaceous finish.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the assembled toasts for added richness. Add a pinch of salt and more freshly ground black pepper to taste, if desired.
- Serve the eggplant toasts warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect appetizer for a dinner party or a delicious light snack to enjoy with a glass of wine.
Conclusion:
These Rustic Eggplant Toasts with Goat Cheese and Walnuts are a sophisticated and flavorful dish that combines the best of simple ingredients. The roasted eggplant provides a tender and savory base, perfectly complemented by the creamy tang of goat cheese and the nutty crunch of walnuts. The addition of fresh thyme and a drizzle of olive oil elevates the dish to gourmet status, making it a perfect choice for entertaining or indulging in a special treat. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and the satisfying texture of these toasts as a delightful start to any meal.