Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh
Warm flatbread topped with smoky charred eggplant, fragrant za’atar spice, and tangy labneh for a vibrant Mediterranean appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium (about 1 lb) eggplant, olive oil, za’atar seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large piece (10 inches) flatbread or naan
- 1 medium (about 1 lb) eggplant
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp za’atar seasoning
- 1/2 cup labneh
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over high heat. Slice 1 medium eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds and brush both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Grill eggplant slices for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply charred and tender. Remove and roughly chop.
- Step 3: Warm 1 large flatbread in a dry skillet or oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until pliable.
- Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup labneh evenly over the flatbread, then scatter chopped grilled eggplant on top.
- Step 5: Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle 2 tsp za’atar seasoning, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves before slicing and serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (about 1 lb) eggplant from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Charred Eggplant and Za’atar Flatbread with Labneh vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.