WTH is Smoky Eggplant Soup? | Cheap Cooking

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil offers a similar flavor with a higher smoke point.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Homemade broth is healthier and can be cheaper with bulk ingredients.

smoked paprika

🥗Healthier: regular paprika

💰Cheaper: sweet paprika

Regular paprika maintains flavor while reducing smoke intensity.

fresh parsley

🥗Healthier: fresh cilantro

💰Cheaper: dried parsley

Cilantro adds a fresh note, while dried parsley is more economical.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and score the flesh.

Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides and sprinkle with salt.

Place eggplants cut side down on a baking sheet and roast until soft, about 30-35 minutes.

While the eggplants roast, heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Remove the roasted eggplants from the oven and scoop out the flesh into the pot.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer; cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.

Stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary