Roasted Eggplant, Burrata & Spicy Tomato-Date Jam

A Dish Meant for Sharing

There are dishes that ask to be plated and eaten carefully, and others that invite you to lean in, tear off a piece of bread, and dive in. Roasted Eggplant, Burrata & Spicy Tomato-Date Jam is the latter.

It begins with eggplant, charred until its skin caramelizes and its flesh turns silky and rich, layered with torn burrata, fresh basil, and a tomato–date jam that glistens with olive oil. Sweet and savory, smoky and just a little spicy, it’s the kind of dish that settles into the center of the table and quietly takes over.

This is food meant to be eaten with your hands. Freshly grilled flatbread, store-bought naan, or a crusty loaf torn into pieces and passed around. Everyone reaches in and scoops it up — it gets a little messy, and that’s part of the pleasure. There’s always someone lingering at the table, soaking up the last traces of burrata and tomato-date–infused oil with a final piece of bread.

Roasted Eggplant, Burrata & Spicy Tomato-Date Jam is Sweet, Savory, and Just a Little Spicy

The jam lands somewhere between an oily, savory sauce and a spoonable relish. Tomato paste blooms in olive oil, dates melt just enough to add depth and sweetness, and a mix of spices and nuts brings texture and gentle heat. Everything plays off the richness of the eggplant without overwhelming it.

Mediterranean, With a Twist

Mediterranean in spirit and a little Middle Eastern in flavor, this dish is meant to be shared. Serve it as part of a mezze spread, or let it stand on its own with warm bread and a glass of something cold. Smoky, salty, sweet, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for another bite. This is food for gathering, for lingering, for being together.

The Art of Mezze

The word mezze comes from the Persian mazze, meaning “taste” or “relish,” and is used across the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and parts of North Africa to describe a collection of small dishes served before or alongside a meal. Mezze can include anything from vegetables and dips to cheeses, salads, and warm plates, but more than a list of foods, it represents a way of eating. Meals built around mezze are meant to be unhurried and communal, with dishes placed in the center of the table and shared over conversation. It’s a style of dining that values abundance, variety, and connection — food as an experience rather than a course to be rushed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made for true eggplant lovers, with deeply charred edges and silky interiors
• The tomato–date jam adds richness and depth without turning the dish sweet
• It works equally well grilled or roasted, depending on the season
• It’s meant to be shared, making it perfect for mezze spreads and casual entertaining
• It feels indulgent and comforting, yet still balanced and vibrant

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Eggplant, Burrata & Spicy Tomato Date Jam

Serve warm or at room temperature with flatbread, naan, or crusty bread. Add a simple salad or a few other mezze plates and let it carry the table.

You can also serve it tapas-style, with small plates, so everyone can take a spoonful and add it to their own plate. Or, if you prefer something a bit more composed, plate it individually as an appetizer and serve it with bread, though it’s at its most fun when shared from the center of the table.

You may also like: