Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a vegetable that is both versatile and delicious. It is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and is used in dishes such as moussaka, ratatouille, and baba ganoush. However, with its growing popularity, it is common for home cooks to find themselves with an abundance of eggplant and not know what to do with it.
Whether you have a garden overflowing with eggplant or simply bought too many at the grocery store, there are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use this nutritious vegetable. From roasting and grilling to making dips and spreads, there are numerous recipes that can use up your surplus of eggplant while also adding variety to your meals. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to make the most of an abundance of eggplant in your cooking.
Delicious Recipes to Make with Eggplant
Eggplant may seem like an intimidating vegetable, but it is actually quite versatile and delicious. If you find yourself with an abundance of eggplant and aren’t sure what to do with it, try incorporating it into some tasty recipes. Roasting or grilling eggplant slices can create a meaty, flavorful addition to sandwiches or salads.
One popular dish is eggplant parmesan, which uses fried or grilled eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. Moussaka is another hearty dish that uses eggplant as a main ingredient, along with ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, and béchamel sauce. For a healthy option, consider making baba ganoush, a creamy dip made with roasted eggplant and tahini. These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless with this versatile vegetable.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Eggplant into Your Meals
Eggplant can be a tricky vegetable to work with, but there are many creative ways to incorporate it into your meals. One idea is to use it as a meat substitute in dishes like eggplant parmesan or eggplant lasagna. Simply slice the eggplant into thin pieces and bake or fry it before layering it with tomato sauce and cheese.
Another idea is to use eggplant as a base for dips like baba ganoush or eggplant hummus. Roast the eggplant until it is soft, then blend it with ingredients like tahini, lemon juice, and garlic to make a creamy and flavorful dip. You can also add eggplant to soups, stews, and curries for a hearty and healthy addition to your meals. Overall, there are many delicious ways to incorporate eggplant into your cooking, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Health Benefits of Eating Eggplant
Eggplant is a highly nutritious vegetable that is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The vegetable is low in calories and high in potassium, making it a perfect food for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. Eggplants also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, which is beneficial in improving heart health and reducing the risk of cancer.
In addition, eggplants are known to contain nasunin, a potent antioxidant that protects the brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. Consuming eggplants regularly has also been linked to reducing blood sugar levels, making them a great choice for people with type 2 diabetes. Overall, the numerous health benefits of eggplant make it an excellent food item to include in your diet for better health and overall wellbeing.
Differences between Different Types of Eggplant and How to Cook Them
Eggplants vary in size, shape, and color. The most commonly found eggplant is the large purple Globe eggplant. However, there are other types of eggplants like Japanese eggplants which are long and slender with a deep purple color. These can be used for stir-fries, grilled dishes, and stews. The Italian eggplant is tubular in shape and has a dark purple color. These are perfect for roasting, grilling, or making eggplant parmesan. The white eggplant is a less common variety which is small and round with a softer texture. These are perfect for salads and sautés.
Each eggplant variety has different cooking techniques due to its shape, texture, and water content. For instance, Globe eggplants are best for baking, grilling, and frying while Italian eggplants are great for roasting. Japanese eggplants are perfect for stir fry and stews. When cooking eggplants, it is important to remove the bitterness by salting them first before cooking. Cooking eggplants is versatile as they can be baked, grilled, fried, sautéed, and roasted. Their texture and flavor make them perfect for meatless dishes and side dishes.
Storing and Preserving Eggplant for Later Use
To store eggplant for later use, start by choosing ripe, firm eggplants with smooth and shiny skin that appear heavy for their size. Then, store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight and moisture. Eggplants are best stored at a temperature between 50°F (10°C) and 55°F (13°C) and can be kept for up to a week.
If you have an abundance of eggplant, it’s a good idea to preserve them for later use. There are several ways to preserve eggplant, including freezing, canning, pickling, and dehydrating. To freeze eggplant, slice, cube, or puree it before blanching and freezing. Canning and pickling require different recipes and methods, so make sure to review a trusted recipe before starting. Drying eggplant is also possible by slicing and using a food dehydrator or simply leaving them out in the sun to dry. Proper storage is essential for preserving eggplant, so make sure to label them with the date and method of preservation before storage.
Vegan and Vegetarian Eggplant Dishes to Try
Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, eggplant is a versatile and delicious ingredient you can use to create a variety of flavorful dishes. Eggplant’s meaty texture and earthy flavor make it a great substitute for meat in many recipes.
One popular vegan dish to try is eggplant lasagna. Instead of the traditional noodles, thinly sliced eggplant is baked and used as the layers. The filling can be made of vegetables and tofu or a vegan meat substitute. Another vegetarian dish is eggplant parmesan. Sliced eggplant is breaded and fried before being topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Other vegan options include eggplant curry, stir-fry, and stuffed eggplant with various vegetable or grain fillings. With so many delicious options, eggplant will surely become a regular ingredient in your vegan and vegetarian cooking.
Use Eggplant in Side Dishes and Appetizers for Entertaining.
Eggplant can be a versatile and delicious addition to appetizers and side dishes when entertaining guests. One easy and tasty way to incorporate eggplant is to make a batch of Baba Ghanoush. This Middle Eastern dip can be served with pita chips or vegetables and is perfect for a party or gathering. To make Baba Ghanoush, roast eggplant until it is soft, then blend it with tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Another way to use eggplant in a side dish is to make Caponata, which is a sweet and sour Sicilian eggplant dish. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a dip for bread. To make Caponata, sauté eggplant with onions, garlic, celery, and capers, then add tomatoes, olives, and vinegar. The result is a dish packed with flavor and perfect for entertaining guests. With these recipes, you can turn an abundance of eggplants into delicious appetizers and sides to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, eggplant is a versatile and nutritious food that can be used in a variety of dishes. From dips and spreads to stews and curries, eggplants can be used to create a range of delicious meals. Whether you have a surplus of eggplants from your garden or you simply want to try something new, there are many ways to use this versatile vegetable.
In addition to its versatility in the kitchen, eggplant is also packed with a range of health benefits. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, and contains a range of vitamins and minerals. Incorporating more eggplant into your diet can help to improve digestion, prevent disease, and support overall health and wellbeing. So next time you find yourself with an abundance of eggplants, don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy all the benefits this delicious vegetable has to offer.