Roasted Eggplant with Chimichurri
Plus, my January roundup!
Quick book update: US folks! I’m excited to share that you can now preorder my cookbook at Barnes & Noble for 25% off when you sign up for their free rewards program from February 5th to February 7th! You can use the code PREORDER25 at checkout. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
January Roundup
I recently wrapped up the “31 DAYS, 31 VEGAN RECIPES” series! If you follow me on Instagram or TikTok, then you’ll know I’ve been posting either a new recipe video or a photo carousel every single day of January. To be honest, I kind of miss it? It feels weird not doing it now after doing it consistently for 31 days straight, but I’m also happy to finally have time to rest.
A few days ago, I also started a new broadcast channel on Instagram. I don’t use Threads (nor do I like it), and I’ve been looking for a new space to have more casual conversations about things other than food, such as films, television, books, and anything pop culture. Longtime subscribers will remember my attempt to start a food film club, so I’m thinking of bringing that back to the broadcast channel. I know there’s Substack Chat and Notes exist, but I don’t really feel like it’s the right place for it. Maybe I’ll change my mind, who knows? In the meantime, you can join the broadcast channel here. You’ll see I attempted to do a Grammys live chat but ended up mostly just talking to myself. You’re welcome to laugh — I enjoyed it!
Other things from January:
I read What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez and loved it.
Bad Bunny’s new album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” has been on repeat.
Challengers didn’t get any Oscar nominations. I read some of the think pieces on why it didn’t get a nomination, yada yada yada. I don’t care! That was the sexiest film of 2024.
I watched The Substance, which was iconic, but it made me realize I don’t like body horror AT ALL. I was still pumping it up, though.
I watched The House starring Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell. It has 2.5 stars on Letterboxd, so do with that what you will. My husband and I enjoyed it in all its ridiculousness.
I watched Princess Mononoke for the first time. Probably the most violent Miyazaki film I’ve seen, but I still enjoyed it.
I watched Moonstruck and was absolutely obsessed. Easy, breezy, fun.
I’ve been watching Severance and loving every second of it. This was the reason why I started a broadcast channel in the first place. I need more people to talk to about it!
Roasted Eggplant with Chimichurri
This easy side dish uses minimal ingredients and goes perfectly with grain bowls or as a side to any grilled food. The eggplant has a slightly smokey flavour while the chimichurri adds just enough kick to balance it out.
Ingredients
Serves 2
1 large globe eggplant (or 2 medium)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Flaky sea salt, optional
For the chimichurri
1/2 cup parsley, packed
2 garlic cloves
1 red chilli pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 400F. Cut the eggplant into 1- to 2-inch cubes. Place them on a sheet pan. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
In the meantime, finely chop the parsley (including tender stems). Transfer to a bowl. Deseed the red chilli pepper and finely chop. Add to the bowl. Grate the garlic directly into the bowl. Add the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and dried oregano. Stir until well combined.
Serve the roasted eggplant while hot. Top with the chimichurri and sprinkle with flaky sea salt (optional).
I couldn’t pick one!