5 Ways to Cook Eggplants

Table of contents:

5 Ways to Cook Eggplants
5 Ways to Cook Eggplants
Anonim

Eggplant is a vegetable rich in vitamins and fiber (technically it is a fruit), very widespread and used in kitchens all over the world. When grilled, it takes on a firm and very pleasant texture, deserving of its reputation as an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. Read on to discover the five most popular ways to cook them: fried, pan-fried, broiled, baked, and boiled.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Fried Eggplant

Cook Eggplant Step 1
Cook Eggplant Step 1

Step 1. Wash the aubergines and cut them into slices about 1 centimeter thick

Cook Eggplant Step 2
Cook Eggplant Step 2

Step 2. Place all the slices on a plate, dividing each layer with paper towels and sprinkle them with salt

Let them rest for 15 minutes so they can drain the vegetation water. When finished, dry each slice with absorbent paper, turn it upside down and repeat the operation.

Cook Eggplant Step 3
Cook Eggplant Step 3

Step 3. Make the breading using 100g of flour, 40g of cornmeal, 1/2 teaspoon of salt (2.5g), and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a shallow, large bowl. If you want to fry a large amount of eggplant, double the doses of the ingredients and flavor the batter using any spices you prefer.

Cook Eggplant Step 4
Cook Eggplant Step 4

Step 4. In another bowl beat 1 or 2 eggs

If you have a large amount of eggplant, use more eggs.

Cook Eggplant Step 5
Cook Eggplant Step 5

Step 5. Heat some oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven to a temperature of 180 ° C

  • You will need to have a layer of oil about 0.6 cm deep or at least enough to make the eggplant slices float.

    Cook Eggplant Step 5Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 5Bullet1
  • You can use peanut oil, canola oil, or another oil with a high smoke point. Do not use olive oil because it cannot be heated to high temperatures.

    Cook Eggplant Step 5Bullet2
    Cook Eggplant Step 5Bullet2
Cook Eggplant Step 6
Cook Eggplant Step 6

Step 6. Work one slice at a time, dip the eggplant into the egg and then into the flour mixture

  • Tap the slices lightly to make the excess flour fall off.

    Cook Eggplant Step 6Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 6Bullet1
  • Make sure each slice is completely floured.

    Cook Eggplant Step 6Bullet2
    Cook Eggplant Step 6Bullet2
  • If you want a crisper, thicker breading, flip the eggplant in the eggs and flour twice.
Cook Eggplant Step 7
Cook Eggplant Step 7

Step 7. Use the tongs to put the floured slices in the oil

  • Don't overfill the pan. Fry a layer of eggplant slices at a time and repeat the process with the next batch.

    Cook Eggplant Step 7Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 7Bullet1
Cook Eggplant Step 8
Cook Eggplant Step 8

Step 8. Cook the slices until golden on one side

Turn them over and continue cooking.

Cook Eggplant Step 9
Cook Eggplant Step 9

Step 9. Remove the aubergines from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate covered with absorbent paper

Cook Eggplant Step 10
Cook Eggplant Step 10

Step 10. Serve them immediately with a sauce of your choice

  • If you wait too long, the eggplants become mushy. Eat them while they are still hot.

    Cook Eggplant Step 10Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 10Bullet1
  • Try pairing them with a marinade sauce or tzatziki.

    Cook Eggplant Step 10Bullet2
    Cook Eggplant Step 10Bullet2

Method 2 of 5: Stir-fried Eggplant

Cook Eggplant Step 11
Cook Eggplant Step 11

Step 1. Wash the aubergines, remove the peel and cut them into rather small cubes

Cook Eggplant Step 12
Cook Eggplant Step 12

Step 2. Place the eggplant pieces on a plate lined with plenty of paper towels and sprinkle them with salt

Let the vegetation water drain for 15 minutes. Dry them carefully, using other absorbent paper, turn them over and repeat the operation.

Step 3. Heat a little oil in a wok or shallow pan

  • A minimal amount of fat is required to stir-fry foods. Do not use more than a tablespoon.

    Cook Eggplant Step 13Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 13Bullet1
  • Heat the oil to a high temperature, avoiding exceeding the smoke point so as not to let it burn.

    Cook Eggplant Step 13Bullet2
    Cook Eggplant Step 13Bullet2
Cook Eggplant Step 14
Cook Eggplant Step 14

Step 4. Pour the eggplant into the pan and, if desired, add other vegetables, such as chopped onion, snow peas or carrots

Cook Eggplant Step 15
Cook Eggplant Step 15

Step 5. Season with salt and pepper

Cook Eggplant Step 16
Cook Eggplant Step 16

Step 6. Stir all the cooking ingredients, constantly and quickly, using a kitchen spatula, until they are cooked, becoming golden and crispy

Cook Eggplant Step 17
Cook Eggplant Step 17

Step 7. Serve with white or brown rice

Method 3 of 5: Grilled Eggplant

Cook Eggplant Step 18
Cook Eggplant Step 18

Step 1. Wash the aubergines and cut them into slices about 1 centimeter thick

Cook Eggplant Step 19
Cook Eggplant Step 19

Step 2. Place all the slices on a plate, dividing each layer with paper towels and sprinkle them with salt, possibly coarse

Let them rest for 15 minutes so they can drain the vegetation water. When finished, dry each slice with paper towels, turn it over to the other side and repeat the operation.

Cook Eggplant Step 20
Cook Eggplant Step 20

Step 3. With a pastry brush, grease the slices on both sides with olive oil

Cook Eggplant Step 21
Cook Eggplant Step 21

Step 4. Season the aubergines with your favorite spices and flavorings

Use cumin, sweet or spicy paprika, fresh or powdered garlic, salt and pepper.

Cook Eggplant Step 22
Cook Eggplant Step 22

Step 5. Heat a wire rack over medium heat and cook the eggplant

  • Alternatively, you can use the oven grill.

    Cook Eggplant Step 22Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 22Bullet1
Cook Eggplant Step 23
Cook Eggplant Step 23

Step 6. Grill the aubergines for 3 minutes on each side; they will be cooked when they become soft and the edges will appear crisp and golden

Cook Eggplant Step 24
Cook Eggplant Step 24

Step 7. Remove the eggplant slices from the grill, using a spatula or tongs and arrange them on a plate

Method 4 of 5: Baked Eggplant

Cook Eggplant Step 25
Cook Eggplant Step 25

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 190 ° C

Step 2. Wash the aubergines and cut them into slices about 1 centimeter thick, or make cubes

  • You can cut them in half, and then into smaller pieces, or you can decide to give them the shape you like best.

    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet1
  • For this type of cooking, normally, the aubergines should not be peeled, the skin will help the pulp to remain compact after cooking.

    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet2
    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet2
  • However, if you decide to cut them into cubes, remove the peel first.

    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet3
    Cook Eggplant Step 26Bullet3
Cook Eggplant Step 27
Cook Eggplant Step 27

Step 3. Grease a baking sheet, or baking dish, with olive oil

Arrange the aubergines in a single layer without overlapping them.

Cook Eggplant Step 28
Cook Eggplant Step 28

Step 4. Bake until edges are golden brown; it will take about 20 minutes

Cook Eggplant Step 29
Cook Eggplant Step 29

Step 5. Remove the aubergines from the oven and enjoy them while still hot

Method 5 of 5: Boiled Eggplant

Cook Eggplant Step 30
Cook Eggplant Step 30

Step 1. Wash the aubergines, remove the peel and cut them into cubes

Alternatively, you can boil them whole.

Cook Eggplant Step 31
Cook Eggplant Step 31

Step 2. Take a large pot, fill it with water and put it on the stove to bring it to a boil

  • 2 parts of water are needed for each part of eggplant.

    Cook Eggplant Step 31Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 31Bullet1
  • If you are boiling them whole, use enough water to completely submerge them.
Cook Eggplant Step 32
Cook Eggplant Step 32

Step 3. Add the eggplant, whole or sliced, to the boiling water

  • If they are whole, make holes in the peel using a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

    Cook Eggplant Step 32Bullet1
    Cook Eggplant Step 32Bullet1
Cook Eggplant Step 33
Cook Eggplant Step 33

Step 4. Cook by simmering for 8-15 minutes or until tender

Cook Eggplant Step 34
Cook Eggplant Step 34

Step 5. Season them with salt and pepper plus any spices you want

Advice

  • In old cookbooks, eggplants are referred to by their French name: aubergine.
  • Grilled aubergines can be a great substitute for meat burgers, try them!
  • Salt the aubergines before cooking eliminates the bitter aftertaste, especially in the old ones.
  • Eggplants go very well with tomatoes, onions and peppers and with flavors such as garlic, oregano, basil and chilli powder.
  • The secret to excellent frying is to have all the tools and ingredients ready and at hand. As soon as the oil is hot, fry each slice of eggplant immediately after breading it.

Recommended: