Roasted Mediterranean Greek Vegetables (Print Version)

Colorful roasted vegetables with Mediterranean herbs, lemon, and optional feta cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
03 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
05 - 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
06 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes

→ Seasonings and Oil

07 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
12 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Garnishes and Optional Add-ins

15 - 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, optional
16 - 3.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled, optional
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the middle.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, zucchinis, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Add olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even roasting.
04 - Roast for 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and gently stir or flip the vegetables.
05 - Add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan, mixing them in with the other vegetables. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, until all vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
06 - Remove from the oven. Drizzle immediately with lemon juice and add Kalamata olives, if using. Toss gently.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns a pile of ordinary vegetables into something people actually fight over at the table.
  • The leftovers somehow taste even richer the next day, which means less work and more reward.
  • You can serve it hot, cold, or anywhere in between without losing a bit of flavor.
  • It works as a side, a main, or stuffed into pita bread when you need lunch in a hurry.
02 -
  • Don't skip the space between vegetables on the pan, I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned soggy instead of golden.
  • Add the garlic late or it will burn and turn bitter, those extra 10 minutes make all the difference.
  • Taste a piece of eggplant before serving, if it's still firm, give it a few more minutes because undercooked eggplant is unpleasantly spongy.
03 -
  • Prep all your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge so you can toss and roast them in minutes the next day.
  • If you want a smoky depth, char the eggplant and peppers on a hot grill for a few minutes before roasting them in the oven.
  • Always taste and adjust the seasoning after roasting, a pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lemon can make everything come alive.
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