**Eggplant a la Grecque: A Delightful Medley of Mediterranean Flavors**
Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with Eggplant a la Grecque, a delectable dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This vegetarian delight features tender eggplant slices, lovingly coated in a crispy batter and fried to golden perfection. The eggplant is then generously layered with a vibrant medley of fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic red onions, all bathed in a tangy and herbaceous dressing.
This flavorful dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, with the crispy eggplant providing a delightful contrast to the soft and juicy vegetables. The tangy dressing, infused with the brightness of lemon juice, the pungency of garlic, and the subtle warmth of oregano, brings all the elements together in perfect harmony.
But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. This article presents a diverse collection of Eggplant a la Grecque recipes, each offering unique variations on this classic dish. From a traditional Greek recipe that stays true to the original flavors to a modern twist that incorporates roasted eggplant and a creamy tahini dressing, there's a recipe for every palate.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary exploration, this article will guide you through the steps of creating this delicious dish with ease. With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and stunning food photography, you'll be able to recreate the magic of Eggplant a la Grecque in your own kitchen.
So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Eggplant a la Grecque.
VEGETABLES à LA GRECQUE
I wrote that I found these perfect - the ur-preserves - and then tasted them again. And I can only affirm it as a truth. They are richer than plain vinegar pickles, which lets them be their own hors d'oeuvre, in a small chilled bowl, with olives perhaps alongside. They are deeper tasting and more eloquent than crudité. They are piquant enough to awaken the appetite without sating it. I love them, and they are very simple to make.
Provided by Tamar Adler
Categories appetizer
Time 1m
Yield About 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a pot, bring the liquids, spices and herbs to just below a boil.
- Cook each vegetable, separated by type, in the seasoned liquid. Start with the onion, then fennel, then cauliflower or mushrooms, then celery. Cook each until it can be pierced with a knife and tastes delicious. As each batch is done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon or a hand-held sieve. Place on a cookie sheet to cool.
- If spices or bits of herb stick to the vegetables, put what you can back in the pot and don't worry about the rest - everything will marinate together, so things will redistribute. When all the vegetables are cooked, layer them in a 1-quart Mason jar - it looks nice if you do mushrooms, then onions and so on. Pour all of the cooking liquid over them, without straining. The olive oil in the liquid will rise to the top and create a seal.
- Serve alone as an hors d'oeuvre, or as part of a salad, or on little buttered toasts. Or in an omelet. Or in a sandwich. Anywhere, really, but in a strawberry tart. Refrigerate for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 290, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 708 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams
MOUSSAKA A LA GRECQUE
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Peel the eggplant and slice it crosswise 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides of each slice lightly with salt, arrange in 1 layer on paper towels and let drain for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderate heat; add as many slices as will fit in 1 layer and brown on both sides. Repeat the procedure with 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil and the remaining eggplant. Drain the eggplant as they are cooked on paper towels.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and the onion to the skillet and cook until the onions are brown. Add the ground meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Combine the tomato paste with the wine, parsley, and cinnamon. Add this mixture to the skillet and simmer over low heat, stirring often, until all the liquid has evaporated. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- In a sauce pan, over low heat, melt the butter, add the flour and whisk for 5 minutes. Turn up the heat to moderate and add the milk in a stream, whisking. Simmer for 5 minutes, add salt and pepper, to taste, and remove from the heat. Cool slightly and stir in the eggs, nutmeg, and ricotta.
- Grease and 11 by 16-inch pan and sprinkle the bottom lightly with bread crumbs. Arrange alternating layers of eggplant and meat sauce in the pan, sprinkling each layer with Parmesan and bread crumbs. Pour the egg sauce over the top and bake one hour in a preheat 350 degree oven, or until top is golden. Let cool twenty minutes before slicing.
VEGETABLES à LA GRECQUE
Despite its name, vegetables à la grecque is a French dish. The vegetables are slightly pickled in a broth of vegetable stock and wine. Serve this as a first course or with an assortment of hors d'oeuvres.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories pickles, appetizer
Time 1h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a 3- or 4-quart saucepan combine vinegar, wine, olive oil, garlic cloves, shallot, bouquet garni, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, peppercorns, kosher salt and 3 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 15 to 30 minutes while you prepare vegetables.
- Add carrots to the broth and simmer 5 minutes. Add cauliflower, bring back to a simmer, and cook another 15 minutes, until carrots and cauliflower are tender but not mushy. Using a slotted spoon, remove vegetables to a bowl. Some of the broth and seeds can come along with them.
- Add mushrooms to broth and simmer 5 minutes. Remove to bowl with carrots and cauliflower.
- Stir broth and ladle 11/2 cups plus some of the coriander seeds into a small saucepan. Set aside.
- Add artichoke hearts to the pot in which you cooked the other vegetables and simmer 25 to 30 minutes, until tender. Transfer to bowl with other cooked vegetables. If using artichoke leaves, steam them now. When finished, discard this broth.
- Bring reserved broth in the small saucepan to a boil and cook until liquid reduces to 1/2 cup. Pour over the vegetables, add lemon juice and fleur de sel and toss. Taste and adjust seasoning. Leave at room temperature until ready to serve (for best flavor, let vegetables marinate for a few hours), or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just before serving, garnish with herbs and, if you wish, with steamed artichoke leaves, which can be dipped into the marinade. Serve on small plates with the reduced marinade spooned on top.
EGGPLANT A LA GRECQUE
The Mediterranean flavors in this simple saute blend and make a pleasing, light vegetarian meal. I've had this recipe since I was in junior high school, and am not sure of the origin, but it's been a standby in my house for more years than I care to remember :-)
Provided by East Wind Goddess
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 30m
Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Peel eggplant and cut in 1/2 inch cubes.
- In heavy skillet, heat oil and butter and saute eggplant until lightly browned. Remove.
- Saute onion and garlic until soft.
- Return eggplant and add can of tomatoes, drained.
- Add parsley, lemon juice and the spices.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese
- Serve over rice or wide egg noodles.
Tips:
- Choosing the right eggplant is crucial. Look for firm, glossy, and heavy eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid those with wrinkles, bruises, or blemishes.
- Before cooking, slice the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt. This helps draw out the bitterness and moisture, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- To prevent the eggplant from absorbing too much oil during frying, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan for frying the eggplant. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the eggplant. This will cause the eggplant to steam rather than fry, resulting in a soggy texture.
- For a healthier version of the dish, bake the eggplant slices instead of frying them. Brush them with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
Conclusion:
Eggplant a la Grecque is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. With its鮮豔的色彩and bold flavors, it's sure to impress your guests. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or grill the eggplant, follow these tips to create a perfect dish every time. Experiment with different variations of the recipe by adding herbs, spices, or other vegetables to suit your taste. Enjoy this classic Mediterranean dish as part of a healthy and flavorful meal.
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