Eggplant is a nutritional beast.
Its high in fiber, loaded with nutrients and low in calories.
However, learning how to cook eggplant can be a bit tricky.
If done incorrectly, it can be a mushy mess or a bitter assault on your taste buds.
But prepared properly, eggplant is a delicious addition to any meal.
Here are the basics.
Heres what to look for in an eggplant.
Find a Pretty One
Really?
Yes, a glossy, purple eggplant is healthy and ready to eat.
Like most fruits, (Yes, I said fruit.
The eggplant is actuallycategorized as a berry!)
you’re gonna wanna pay attention to discoloration and bruising.
A healthy, green stem is another sign of freshness.
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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
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Smaller Is Better
The smaller, young eggplants will have the best flavor.
A too-large eggplant may have an abundance of tiny seeds inside, which are storehouses for that dreaded bitterness.
Did you know?
Leave some skin on the flesh so it has a striped effect.
Cut the eggplant into slices or disks.
give a shot to keep their thickness even so they cook at the same pace.
Youll notice little beads of eggplant sweat forming.
Rinse away the salt and juices.
Coat a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray, or lightly coat the eggplant slices with olive oil.
The flesh likes to absorb oil, and too much can make it come out greasy.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
(Remember, youve already salted and rinsed, so there may be some residual salt on there!)
Bake the slices for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until theyre lightly browned.
Pull the slices out of the oven, and sprinkle on your favorite herbs to spruce it up.
Not sure what to add?
Eggplant is a great canvas for a lot ofherbs and flavors.
Broil the eggplant for an additional 30 seconds to let those herbs and spices do their work.
How to Cook Eggplant Using Other Methods
Baking eggplant is a classic method of preparation.
However, its far from your only choice.
This versatile superstar of the produce section lends itself to a variety of cooking methods.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to cook eggplant.
Embrace the Smokiness!
Toss it on the Grill
Prefer a little smoke and char on your food?
Eggplant is perfect for grilling.
Youll get a similar texture to bake, but with the added flavors and aromas of the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (350 to 375 F).
Clean and peel the eggplant as mentioned above.
Slice it however you want.
Disks work great, but you could slice it longways too.
Melt some butter, and stir in some garlic salt and other seasonings you like.
(I suggest classic Italian seasoning its great on everything!)
Brush the butter mixture on, and add pepper to taste.
Then, toss them on the grill.
Keep an eye on them to avoid flare-ups just in case that amazing butter drips off.
Cook for approximately 10 minutes, flipping and basting the pieces every couple of minutes.
Pull the slices off the grill, and serve them while theyre hot and smokey.
Stovetop Calling You?
Pan-Fry Eggplant to Perfection
Pan-fried eggplant can be tricky.
Do it right and you wont have that issue.
Clean, peel, slice, salt and rinse the eggplant as mentioned above.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
If it browns to a lovely crouton in about 60 seconds, youre good to go.
Whisk 2 egg whites in a small bowl.
Brush a thin coating of egg whites onto both sides of each eggplant slice.
The egg whites act like a barrier between the eggplant flesh and the oil.
Carefully place 3 to 4 slices of eggplant into the oil.
Dont splatter it hurts!
Cook the eggplant slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Youll be amazed at how crispy these get without soaking up all of that oil!
Youll love the nice and crispy texture with that delicious fried flavor.
Craving Something Really Different?
Thats just crazy talk, right?
First, bake your slices as described above.
Add the cooked slices to a food processor and pulse until smooth.
Add a little olive oil if needed.
Its really that simple.
You now have a simple mashed eggplant that you’re able to spice up any way youd like.
Check outthis mashed-eggplant recipeto really embrace that Mediterranean flair.
Delicious Eggplant Meal Ideas
OK, so now you know the basics about how to cook eggplant.
How do you incorporate these techniques into an awesome meal?
We have you covered.
Here are a few meal ideas that will wow your friends and family.
Not only is it delicious, but its easier on the budget than its chicken counterpart!
Stuffed Eggplant
Whats better than eggplant?
Eggplant stuffed with tasty gloriousness.
It makes for a flavorful meal that is remarkably easy on the budget.
Make an Eggplant Sandwich
In the mood for a sandwich?
Its a creative idea to bring to your next potluck at work.
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