Eggplant and tomatoes, in the dead of winter? Oh no, that’s not very seasonal of me. Such a terrible faux pas, such an obvious insult to The Natural Order Of Things. I should have just saved this for a few months and pretended it was devised in that moment, in the warm sunshine of late June, when flowers are blooming and an abundance of produce explodes back into farmers markets. I did consider it, strongly, but I also considered the fact that a little bite of summer in the middle of a dark, cold, forbidding day might be what we all need.

Let’s not kid ourselves: these ingredients are still in grocery stores across the world. It doesn’t matter where you live, or where the vegetables came from, because they’ll find their way to your local market whether you like it or not. We can thank globalization and climate change equally for that. In no way would I suggest that they’ll be as flavorful and ambrosial as peak season produce, locally grown in organic soil, mind you. I’m only suggesting that we have the option to indulge, in this small way, as a preview of what’s to come. When you need a little reminder that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, you already have the tools to see it. These vegetables will exist anyway; it would be a shame to let them languish, unloved.

Graffiti eggplant is a particularly arresting specimen, striped as if colored with gentle brushstrokes of glossy purple paint. No different from Italian globe eggplant otherwise, in terms of shape, size, or flavor, but an eye catching reminder that the fruit itself exists (and yes, it is a fruit, botanically speaking.) Best when on the smaller size to reduce the amount of watery seeds, it cooks quickly and easily in the air fryer. Sure, it would no doubt be brilliant on the grill, but let’s not forget about the actual temperature outside right now. Tender to the point of melting onto your fork, that silky sensation is heightened against the cool, toothsome pop of raw cherry tomatoes. Basil, the harbinger of midsummer revelry, feels mandatory in this situation, bright and citrus-y, bold and fresh.

That’s all it is: Eggplant and tomatoes. I would apologize for my crime against sustainability, but honestly? I have no remorse. In fact, I’d do it all again, and encourage you to as well. Like celebrating Christmas in July, sometimes we need to do what brings us the most joy, not what makes the most logical sense.

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Yield: Makes 1 - 2 Servings

Warm Eggplant Salad

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Indulge in a little taste of summer with this vibrant dish of eggplant, tomatoes, and fresh basil, even in the depths of winter. While it may not be the most seasonal choice, it’s a delightful reminder of warmer days ahead. Graffiti eggplant, tender and silky, pairs perfectly with juicy cherry tomatoes, offering a burst of flavor that contrasts with the cold season. This simple yet indulgent recipe embraces the joy of unexpected ingredients, proving that sometimes, a small bite of summer is exactly what we need. No regrets—just pure, seasonal joy, no matter the time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 Medium Graffiti Eggplant or 1 Small Globe Eggplant
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, Divided
• 2 Teaspoons Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Basil
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Toasted Pine Nuts or Slivered Almonds
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper, to Taste

Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, liquid aminos or soy sauce, and garlic. Toss to coat, then place them in an even layer on two air fryer sheets lined with foil. Make sure that no pieces are overlapping.
   
2. Air fry one sheet at a time at 400 degrees for 6 minutes. Flip, then air fry for another 5 - 6 minutes, until browned and very tender.
   
3. Meanwhile, combine the remaining olive oil, cherry tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, and pine nuts or almonds. Gently toss with the cooked eggplant and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while still warm.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  La Tourangelle, 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 25.4 fl oz (750 ml)
• 
  Liquid Aminos
• 
  NOW Foods, Real Food, Organic, Raw Pine Nuts, 8 oz (227 g)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 367Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 452mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 16gSugar: 21gProtein: 9g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.