Eggplant Steaks with Coffee-Cardamom Spice: A Vegetarian Dish Created Out of Love
A few years ago, my daughter Renna, who once loved everything from meat to vegetables, suddenly stopped eating meat entirely and became a vegetarian. Seafood was off the table too, except for the occasional salmon. I was concerned—both for her health and her happiness at the dinner table.
That’s when I remembered one of my mother’s old recipes, a dish as rich in tradition as it is in flavor: Coffee-Cardamom Grilled Eggplant.
The Inspiration
My mother used to prepare eggplant steaks by rubbing them with a unique blend of coffee and cardamom, then grilling them over charcoal until smoky and tender. The aroma alone was enough to draw the whole family into the kitchen.
How It Came Together
For Renna, I decided to build on that memory:
- The Base – I grilled thick slices of eggplant after coating them generously with olive oil and my Coffee-Cardamom Spice Blend.
- The Layers – On a baking dish, I placed one grilled slice, then topped it with sautéed garlic, onions, and artichoke hearts.
- The Flavor Boost – I added a layer of Parmesan cheese, rich tomato sauce, and the garlic-onion-artichoke mix.
- The Final Touch – Another slice of grilled eggplant, sprinkled with sumac and Parmesan, completed the stack.
- The Bake – Into the oven it went for 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
I served it over fragrant basmati rice, and when Renna took her first bite, her smile told me everything. She—and the whole family—were in love.
Why It’s Special
- Healthy: Zero fat, low calories, and packed with nutrients.
- Flavorful: A perfect balance of smoky, earthy, tangy, and savory.
- Meaningful: It’s more than a dish—it’s a memory shared across generations.
This eggplant steak has now become a family tradition, making appearances at holidays, celebrations, and any day we want something comforting yet healthy.
Try this recipe with Herbivore Spice.com Coffee-Cardamom Blend, and discover why one vegetarian dish turned into a family favorite.
