In a culinary expedition that celebrates the bounty of Jon's garden, eggplant takes center stage as the star ingredient in a symphony of delectable dishes. From the smoky allure of grilled eggplant with a tangy tomato sauce, to the comforting embrace of eggplant parmesan, each recipe captures the essence of this versatile vegetable. Embark on a flavor-filled journey as we explore the diverse culinary expressions of eggplant, transforming it from a humble garden staple into a culinary masterpiece.
**Grilled Eggplant with Tomato Sauce:**
Savor the smoky charm of grilled eggplant, perfectly charred and infused with a hint of smokiness, complemented by a vibrant and tangy tomato sauce. This classic combination is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
**Eggplant Parmesan:**
Indulge in the classic Italian comfort food, featuring layers of tender eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and meltedチーズチーズ. Each bite of this hearty casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures, a celebration of culinary tradition.
**Baked Eggplant with Feta and Tomatoes:**
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in this hearty and flavorful dish. Succulent eggplant slices are topped with a vibrant medley of tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, then baked to perfection.
**Eggplant and Chickpea Curry:**
Embark on a culinary adventure with this aromatic and flavorful curry, featuring tender eggplant and chickpeas simmered in a fragrant blend of spices. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of eggplant in a new and exciting way.
**Eggplant Fritters:**
Delight in the crispy and golden-brown exterior of these fritters, which belie a tender and flavorful interior. Made with grated eggplant, herbs, and spices, these fritters are a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion.
ROASTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange three racks evenly spaced.
- Lay the eggplant in one layer on three sheet pans and brush both sides with olive oil, using all the oil. Sprinkle with the oregano, crushing it lightly in your hands, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the slices and rotate the pans in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until tender. Leave the oven at 400 degrees F.
- In a 10 by 14 by 2-inch ceramic baking dish, spread a third of the marinara sauce. Arrange a third of the eggplant on top in one layer. Scatter a third of the basil, a third of the mozzarella, a third of the goat cheese, and a third of the Parmesan on top. Repeat twice, starting with the marinara and ending with the Parmesan, making sure each layer is evenly distributed.
- For the topping, place the bread crumbs, garlic, and basil in a food processor and pulse to combine. Add the 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt and pulse to moisten the crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN II
This is a no fry variation of this popular dish, and is just as delicious!
Provided by Dolores Gentner-Ryan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.4 calories, Carbohydrate 62.1 g, Cholesterol 72.8 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 1663.1 mg, Sugar 19.9 g
Tips:
- Opt for Smaller Eggplants: Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and milder bitterness, making them more enjoyable to eat.
- Salting Eggplants Draws Out Bitterness: Sprinkling salt on sliced eggplants before cooking helps extract excess moisture and reduce bitterness.
- Use High Heat for Grilling: High heat helps create smoky flavors and prevents eggplants from becoming soggy.
- Don't Overcook Eggplants: Overcooked eggplants can become mushy and lose their flavor. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Pair Eggplants with Bold Flavors: Eggplants go well with strong flavors like garlic, ginger, cumin, and paprika. These flavors complement the mild taste of eggplants and create a well-balanced dish.
Conclusion:
Eggplants are a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you grill, roast, or sauté them, eggplants are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. With their mild flavor and ability to absorb other flavors, eggplants are a great choice for dishes that incorporate bold spices and sauces. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, these eggplant recipes from Jon's garden are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, grab some fresh eggplants from your local market or garden, and experiment with the different recipes provided in this article. Enjoy the delicious flavors and health benefits that eggplants have to offer!
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