Indulge in the flavors of Sicily with this exquisite Italian Eggplant Caponata. Caponata is a time-honored Italian dish consisting of cooked eggplant, onions, celery, tomatoes, and other vegetables and then infused with the briny essence of olives, capers, and richness of olive oil. There are numerous regional variations of caponata, with some including pine nuts,...Read More
This delicious vegan Lebanese spread can be enjoyed with pita bread, fresh vegetables, grilled or roasted veggies, or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps. INGREDIENTS: 1 large eggplant (be sure it’s not overly mature, which can be bitter) 1/4 cup tahini 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 garlic cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt, and more...Read More
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a member of the nightshade family and shares its botanical lineage with tomatoes and potatoes. This strikingly diverse fruit, often mischaracterized as a vegetable, boasts a storied history. In the 1600s, eggplants were intriguingly known as ‘mala insane‘ or ‘mad apples,’ suggesting that consuming them might lead to insanity....Read More
This one-pot ratatouille recipe is a classic late summer vegetable ragout popular in Provence, France. Tomato, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are simmered with aromatics until softened and cooked until juices become jammy. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread and a hearty glass of red wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper,...Read More
Chef Owen Snyder, fondly known as “Papa O” to many of us, shared his famous Eggplant Parmesan recipe that he served at his restaurant. This dish is full of the flavors and colors of late summer — it can be made as a lighter-style dish or as a richer, cheesier version with the additional cheese....Read More
Just like it says. Easy. Part of the key to “easy” is selecting longer, narrower eggplants such as Japanese, Chinese, or the longer Italian eggplants. These cut into shapes that lend themselves to skewering readily and have tender skins. Using orange juice, lemon juice, or wine to marinate adds big flavor, and if you use...Read More
This is an easy and quick Chinese eggplant dish with a garlic sauce that’s savory and tangy. For a vegetarian dish, simply leave out the pork. Serve with braised bok choy and your favorite cooked rice. INGREDIENTS: 1 large eggplant, thin-skinned variety 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 pound coarsely chopped boneless pork...Read More
Serve this spicy curry with warm naan, pita bread, or fragrant jasmine rice. INGREDIENTS: 1 large eggplant 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (available at Indian markets) 2 teaspoons garam masala (or more to taste) 1 tomato, diced 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1...Read More
Here is my version of this Lebanese eggplant dish. The tricks are to use a good qualityolive oil, fresh eggplant so the dish is not bitter, and grill the eggplant for a nice charred, smokey flavor. If you can’t grill use the broiler, but lower the rack so the eggplant has time to take on...Read More
This is a fairly quick dish to assemble, especially if you have soffrito on hand. Since much of the flavor for this dish comes from the tomatoes and basil, be sure to use flavorful, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. Having a spritzer or atomizer for oil makes this dish easier to make. I recommend using...Read More