Aubergine & Feta Skillet

A simple Mediterranean-style skillet of tender aubergine slices sautéed with juicy cherry tomatoes and garlic, finished with crumbled feta, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium aubergines, cut into 2cm cubes
  • 150g light feta cheese, crumbled
  • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil to garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add aubergine cubes, season with salt, and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
  3. Add garlic slices and oregano, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until they begin to burst and release their juices.
  5. Reduce heat to low, sprinkle feta cheese evenly over the mixture, cover and cook for 2 more minutes until cheese softens.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cubing the aubergine ensures even cooking and a creamy texture inside with crisp edges.
  • Salting the aubergine before cooking helps remove bitterness and excess moisture.
  • Pairs well with a slice of whole grain sourdough bread.
  • Portion for two people.

Variations

  • Add a handful of baby spinach in the final minute for extra greens.
  • Swap feta for pan-fried halloumi slices placed on top.
  • Add sliced Kalamata olives for a saltier Mediterranean twist.
  • Stir in a small can of chickpeas to make it more filling.
  • Finish with a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt instead of feta for a lighter version.
  • Sprinkle with pine nuts toasted in a dry pan for extra crunch.

Fun Facts

  • Aubergine is botanically a berry, not a vegetable, and belongs to the nightshade family alongside tomatoes and potatoes.
  • The name "aubergine" comes from the Catalan word albergínia, which traces back through Arabic and Persian to Sanskrit.
  • Feta has been produced in Greece for over 6,000 years and is protected by EU law — only cheese made in specific Greek regions can be called feta.
  • Cherry tomatoes contain higher concentrations of lycopene than regular tomatoes, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
  • Aubergines have a very low glycaemic index of around 15, making them an excellent choice for stable blood sugar levels.