Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme – A Delicious Mediterranean Treat

There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home after a long day and creating a quick, flavorful snack that feels like a true culinary indulgence. Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme strikes that perfect balance between healthy and delicious, offering a Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior of these aubergine chips creates an irresistible texture, while the sweet honey and aromatic thyme bring sophisticated flavor notes that elevate this dish far beyond ordinary snack food.

Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering or simply craving a nutritious alternative to store-bought chips, these baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme will become your new go-to recipe. The natural sweetness of the honey caramelizes slightly during baking, creating a delightful complement to the earthy aubergine and fragrant herbs. Best of all, this recipe transforms a humble vegetable into something truly special with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

• ✅ Crispy baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks
• ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
• ✅ Naturally low-calorie baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme perfect for guilt-free snacking
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works as an elegant appetizer or casual movie night treat
• ✅ The combination of honey and thyme creates a uniquely addictive sweet-savory flavor profile
• ✅ These baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan
• ✅ Ideal for using seasonal aubergines when they’re at their peak flavor and affordability

Ingredients for Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

To make these delicious baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme, you’ll need:

• 25g plain flour (can substitute gluten-free flour for a GF option)
• 25g polenta (adds the perfect crunch factor!)
• 2 aubergines, sliced into chips (medium thickness works best)
• Olive oil, for greasing the baking sheet
• 3 tbsp clear honey, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 6 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
• 15g fresh mint
• 100g 0% fat Greek-style yogurt (use coconut yogurt for a vegan version)
• ½ garlic clove, crushed
• Cayenne pepper, to serve (adjust to your preferred spice level)

Looking for substitutions? The healthy baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme ingredients are quite flexible. If you don’t have polenta, cornmeal makes an excellent alternative. For a dairy-free option, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt.

How to Make Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.

Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix the flour and polenta together with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Slice the aubergines into chip-shaped pieces, approximately 1cm thick. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Coating and Baking

Step 4: Working in batches, toss the aubergine slices in the flour and polenta mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess.

Step 5: Arrange the coated aubergine chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they’re not touching to allow for proper crisping.

Step 6: Drizzle the aubergine chips with 2 tablespoons of the honey and sprinkle with most of the thyme leaves (reserving some for garnish).

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the crispy baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are golden brown and tender inside.

Making the Dip

Step 8: While the chips are baking, prepare the dipping sauce. Finely chop the mint leaves.

Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 10: Once the baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are done, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of honey if desired, and sprinkle with the reserved thyme leaves and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Step 11: Serve immediately with the mint-yogurt dipping sauce on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

Want to elevate your baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme to restaurant quality? Follow these professional tips:

• Salting technique: For extra crispy chips, lightly salt your sliced aubergine and let them sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture. Just be sure to pat them dry before coating.
• Oil spray trick: Instead of brushing with oil, use an oil mister or spray for more even coverage with less oil, making your low-calorie baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme even healthier.
• Honey application: Warm your honey slightly before drizzling for more even distribution over the aubergine chips.
• Don’t overcrowd: The secret to perfectly crispy chips is giving them space on the baking sheet – overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
• Fresh herbs matter: While dried thyme will work in a pinch, fresh thyme makes a significant difference in the aromatic quality of these chips.

Best Ways to Serve Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

These versatile baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme serving suggestions will help you enjoy this dish in multiple ways:

1. As an appetizer: Serve on a rustic wooden board with the yogurt dipping sauce for an impressive starter.
2. Part of a mezze platter: Combine with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and pita bread for a Mediterranean feast.
3. Side dish: These chips make a fantastic accompaniment to grilled lamb, chicken, or fish.
4. Light lunch: Pair with a fresh green salad for a satisfying meal.

For an extra special touch, try these baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme dipping sauces alternatives:

• Tahini sauce with lemon and garlic
• Spicy harissa yogurt
• Balsamic reduction
• Whipped feta with herbs

Nutritional Information for Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

If you’re watching your diet, you’ll be pleased to know these baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are a nutritious option. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 145 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 2g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 14g (primarily from honey)

These low-calorie baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are significantly healthier than traditional fried chips or crisps, making them an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake while still wanting a satisfying snack. Aubergines are also rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin, which helps protect cell membranes.

Storage & Leftovers

While these chips are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can store any leftover baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them and restore some crispness, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes.

Note that the texture won’t be quite as crisp as freshly baked, but the flavor will still be delicious. The yogurt dip can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs About Baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme

What are the benefits of baked aubergine chips?

Aubergine is low in calories but high in fiber, making these baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme a nutritious snack option. They’re also packed with antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals including potassium, manganese, and vitamins B1 and B6. Additionally, baking instead of frying significantly reduces the calorie and fat content.

How to store baked aubergine chips?

For optimal freshness, store your baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They’re best reheated in the oven at 180°C for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness. The yogurt dipping sauce should be stored separately and will last up to 3 days refrigerated.

Can you make baked aubergine chips in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fryers are perfect for making crispy baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme. Simply prepare the chips as directed, then cook them in the air fryer at 200°C for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer’s capacity. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme immediately after they finish cooking.

What can I serve with baked aubergine chips?

These versatile baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme pair well with numerous foods. Serve them alongside grilled meats, as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus and olives, or even as a side dish with spicy tomato-based pasta dishes. For a complete vegetarian meal, pair them with a hearty Greek salad and some crusty bread.

Conclusion

These baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme are a delightful combination of simplicity and sophistication. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and the perfect balance of sweet honey and aromatic thyme, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party or enjoying them as a healthy snack, these chips prove that nutritious cooking can be incredibly delicious.

The next time you’re looking for a unique alternative to traditional chips or a creative way to use aubergines, remember this recipe. By following our step-by-step instructions and pro tips, you’ll create perfect baked aubergine chips with honey and thyme every time. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe and any variations you tried in the comments below!

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