This delicious vegetarian meal features a spicy eggplant stew served over quinoa and a vibrant mixed greens salad. Ideal for those seeking an exotic culinary adventure, this dish is perfect for advanced cooks.
4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, and Swiss chard)
1 medium onion
2 bell peppers
2 tomatoes
3 cloves garlic
1 can black beans
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside. Peel and dice eggplants. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Add diced eggplants to the pan, stirring well to coat with spices. Cook for 10 minutes or until eggplants are tender. Drain and rinse black beans. Stir into eggplant mixture, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Wash and dry mixed greens. Toss with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside quinoa and spiced eggplant stew. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Chef’s Insight
The combination of spices in this dish pays homage to traditional Nigerian cooking while adding a unique twist for vegetarians.
Notes
Be sure to drain black beans well to avoid a watery stew.