Are you tired of cooking the same old recipes with eggplant? Look no further! In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey exploring the versatility of eggplants and presenting you with some delicious recipes for every occasion.
Whether you’re a health-conscious individual, a vegetarian, or simply looking to add more flavour to your meals, eggplant dishes are a fantastic choice. From appetisers to main courses and even desserts – yes, you read that right – we’ve got you covered with a variety of mouthwatering recipes that will tantalise your taste buds.
We’ll show you how to transform this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering steak, a staple Italian dish, and one of our favourites, aubergine caviar.
With our easy-to-follow recipes, you’ll soon discover that eggplant is not only incredibly versatile but also easy to cook with. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable eggplant creations!
Let’s about eggplants, or aubergines here in the UK, one of the most underrated vegetables we know of.
A member of the nightshade family along with potatoes, bell peppers and tomatoes, it looks like a little like a giant egg hanging from a tree which is where it gets the name our American friends will know it by, the eggplant.
Eggplants are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits.
These vibrant purple vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. They are also low in calories, making them a great addition to weight-loss diets.
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, particularly Nasunin, which can be found in the purple skin. This helps protect cells from damage, supports brain health and helps remove excess iron from the body.
Additionally, they contain vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
Incorporating eggplants into your diet can contribute to overall well-being and provide a range of nutrients for a balanced lifestyle.
Eggplants are also known for their cholesterol-lowering properties. Compounds found in eggplants, such as chlorogenic acid, help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body.
This makes them a heart-healthy choice for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health.
Furthermore, eggplants have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis and promote overall joint health.
With all these benefits, it’s clear that eggplants are a versatile vegetable that not only tastes great but also supports a healthy lifestyle.
Highly nutritious, packed with flavour and absolutely delicious to boot, our aubergine caviar is a must if you’re trying to impress when cooking with an eggplant.
As you might expect, we call this dish caviar because it looks similar to the real stuff, but is nowhere near the same price! Instead, it’s the elevated take on baba ganoush, a hugely popular Middle Eastern dip know for it’s fantastic flavours.
Perfect for snacks or appetisers, it’ll soon be on your regular rotation for dinner parties. Plus, it’s gluten free, vegan and dairy free, so it’s suitable for a huge range of guests.
Discover the full recipe right here.
When it comes to finding eggplant recipes for mains, our first thought was, of course Parmigiana di Melanzane.
Not only does this dish taste fantastic, this traditional Italian tray bake is easy to create, and a sure fire way to bring a warm, comfort-food induced glow to your evening.
We’ve, as usual, put our own spin on the recipe, so you can rest assured it’s not only a taste sensation, but a healthy option for your main too.
Make it yourself with our Parmigiana de Melanzane recipe right here.
You may not believe it, but it’s super easy to turn this vegetable, into a thick, succulent steak that you won’t be able to get enough of.
With top tips from our professional chef, Jason, you can whip up a truly delicious meat alternative, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or simply looking to bring a little more nutrition into your food.
Plus, Jason has even added a tasty, creamy vegan dressing into the mix too.
Create your own aubergine steaks here.
Cooking with eggplant can be intimidating for some, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll become a pro in no time.
The first tip is to choose the right eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm, shiny, and free of blemishes or soft spots.
Avoid eggplants that feel heavy for their size, as they may be overripe. When it comes to storing eggplants, keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
If you’re not planning to use them right away, store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, where they can last for up to a week.
Before cooking with eggplant, it’s important to remove any bitterness.
One way to do this is by salting the eggplant slices and letting them sit for about 30 minutes.
This process draws out the bitter juices, making the eggplant taste milder and more pleasant. After salting, rinse the eggplant slices thoroughly and pat them dry before proceeding with your recipe.
When it comes to cooking methods, eggplant can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or even fried.
Each method brings out different flavours and textures in the eggplant. For example, roasting eggplant in the oven gives it a smoky flavour and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
On the other hand, grilling eggplant adds a charred flavour and a slightly crispy texture to the vegetable. Experiment with different cooking methods to find your favourite way of preparing eggplant.
When you’re cooking any of the Elevated Food For Life recipes, you’ll enjoy eggplant cooking tips from Jason, throughout through the video content you will have access to. To access these recipes, sign up to Elevated today and get your first 30 days free!
Eggplant is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and each culture has its own unique way of preparing this versatile vegetable. Let’s take a culinary tour and explore some popular eggplant dishes from different regions.
In Italy, one of the most beloved eggplant dishes is Eggplant Parmesan, or Melanzane alla Parmigiana. This classic Italian dish features layers of breaded and fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. The result is a hearty and flavourful dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Moving on to the Middle East, we have Baba Ganoush, a popular eggplant dip that is often served as part of a mezze platter.
To make this creamy and smoky dip, roast eggplants until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Scoop out the flesh and mix it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The end result is a dip that is perfect for scooping up with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
In India, Baingan Bharta is a favourite eggplant dish that is both flavourful and aromatic. This dish involves roasting the eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
Then, the eggplant is mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices. The result is a rich and flavorful curry that pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread.
In conclusion, eggplant is a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, appetisers and main courses and even desserts.
With its mild flavour and unique texture, eggplant adds depth and complexity to any recipe.
Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for meatless alternatives or simply seeking to expand your culinary horizons, these five eggplant recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
By following our tips for cooking with eggplant, you’ll be able to bring out the best flavors and textures in this versatile vegetable.
Remember to choose fresh and firm eggplants, store them properly, and experiment with different cooking methods to find your favourite way of preparing eggplant.
So why not give eggplant a try and explore the endless possibilities it offers?
And, for more delicious, nutritious egglant recipes created by our professional chef and nutritionist, sign up to Elevated and get your first 30 days completely free!
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