Spicy Eggplant Bites

I live next to this delicious mediterranean restaurant.  It's a very casual place, but the food is fantastic and you can customize your order with a variety of toppings.  One topping that I regularly order from this restaurant (and recently discovered that it is for sale in my local grocery store) is Harissa.  Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste that I have found to pair beautifully with an array of dishes, including the recipe that I am sharing with you in this post.  

This is another easy to make appetizer that has a delicious and unique flavor profile.  It also makes for a great snack (which I have been a fan making on occasion).  These Spicy Eggplant Bites are a must try for anyone who enjoys food with a little heat and/or mediterranean cuisine.  

Ingredients

• Chinese Eggplant or Baby Eggplant
• Olive Oil or Grape Seed Oil
• Kosher Salt
• Feta Cheese Crumbles
• Harissa - here is where to buy it online or make it yourself
• Fresh Oregano

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit
2. Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch thick medallions
3. Lay eggplant slices on a parchment lined baking sheet 
4. Brush eggplant slices with oil and lightly sprinkle with salt
5. Bake slices for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes
7. Spread a thin layer of Harissa on top of each eggplant medallion
8. Then top each medallion with feta cheese crumbles
9. Garnish each bite with a single fresh oregano leaf and serve

*Note-  I recommend serving this hors d'oeuvre shortly after making it.  If you let it sit too long it will become soggy.