How do I prepare eggplant?

How do I prepare eggplant?

Cut the eggplant into circular slices, cubes, or quarters and place in a colander or on a baking sheet in a single layer. Generously salt the eggplant, making sure to cover each slice. You can top the first layer of slices with another layer as long as there is salt in between each group.

Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it?

Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? You don’t. The skin is entirely edible, though with larger eggplants it can be a little tough. If you’re roasting the eggplant whole in the oven or on the grill, leave the skin on, then after roasting, let it cool, and scoop out the flesh.

What’s the best way to eat eggplant?

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Eggplants

1. Yes, You Can Curry It! Cut eggplant into cubes and add to your favorite curry sauce and simmer until tender.
2. Stir-Fry.
3. Baba Ganoush.
4. Roast, Peel and Serve over Pasta.
5. Eggplant Pizza!
6. Bread, Bake and Serve.
7. A New Kind of Kebob.
8. Appetizing Appetizers?

Are eggplants good for you?

Eggplant has antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which help protect your cells against damage. It’s also high in natural plant chemicals called polyphenols, which may help cells do a better job of processing sugar if you have diabetes.

Can you eat eggplant uncooked?

While it can be eaten raw, eggplant is even most wonderful when it’s grilled, baked, braised or cooked and pureed into a dip.

Why is eggplant not good for you?

Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.

How do you cook eggplant without getting soggy?

Microwave it first. Before hitting the stovetop, give cubed and sliced eggplant pieces a spin in the microwave. Pre-cooking the eggplant (in a single layer, on a paper towel-lined plate) for about five minutes helps collapse the spongey structure, which will prevent it from absorbing quite so much oil.

How do you get the bitterness out of eggplant?

If you are worried that the eggplant might be bitter, slice or cube it, then salt it liberally and allow it to drain for an hour or so before cooking. Putting salt on the eggplant triggers osmosis, which draws out excess moisture and the bitterness along with it.

How do I know if eggplant is cooked?

It must be completely cooked through until it’s meltingly soft, smooth, and creamy; only then will it be flavorful on its own, as well as receptive to the other flavors with which you’ll blend it.

How long do you cook eggplant in the oven?

To cook eggplant in the oven, preheat the oven to 475°F, toss, brush, or drizzle your cut eggplant with olive oil, and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast until the eggplant is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.

What’s the best way to fry an eggplant?

FRIED EGGPLANT Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. Season eggplant slices all over with salt and place on baking sheet in a single layer. In a large high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat about ¼” oil. When oil is shimmering, add eggplant in a single layer and cook until deeply golden on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side.

What’s the best way to cook a stuffed eggplant?

To bake stuffed eggplant, place filled eggplant halves in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes or until heated through and eggplant shells are just tender. To grill stuffed eggplant, place eggplant halves in a foil pack and grill, covered, 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender. Try our stuffed eggplant recipes:

What’s the best way to cook salted eggplant?

Salted eggplant can sit purging for hours without harming the taste or texture. But before cooking the eggplant, be sure to rinse the salt off well. Then place the slices between sheets of paper towel and press gently to remove juices and firm the flesh. This is particularly important when frying your eggplant slices or cubes.

What are the best ways to cook eggplant?

8 Ways to Cook with Eggplant Bake it. Cut the eggplant into strips and bake them; or slice into rounds, add a breaded or spiced coating, and bake for the beginning of eggplant Parmesan or Mash into a dip. Once cooked, the eggplant flesh can be scooped out and easily mashed or pureed into a dip. Roast it. Toss it with pasta. Grill it. Stir-fry it. Stuff it. Braise it.

What dishes go with eggplant?

Eggplant is a healthy vegetable that goes great with dishes like stir fry and lasagna. Besides being a mouthwatering addition to just about any meal, eggplant boasts several health benefits. It’s fat free and contains antioxidants and nutrients essential for metabolism.

What temperature to bake eggplant?

Bake the eggplant at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to cook it in about an hour, or at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to cook it in about 45 minutes. Bake until the eggplant is completely soft and droopy.

How do you Grill an eggplant?

Directions Make eggplant: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Grill eggplants until tender and slightly charred, about 3 minutes per side. Top grilled eggplants with feta and parsley, then squeeze lemon juice over.