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Best ways to eat aubergine?

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What are the best ways to enjoy aubergine?

I’m currently using Hello Fresh to expand my cooking skills and experiment with new ingredients (after 30 years of a rather limited diet). Recently, I made an aubergine parmigiana-style tray bake, but I wasn’t too impressed. While I loved the sauce and cheese, I struggled with the aubergine’s texture—especially when it was thinly sliced and overly soft.

Now I’ve got one more aubergine left and I’m eager to prepare it differently. Any tips on how to cook it? Does frying it change the texture? Would it be better to chop it up instead of slicing?

I’d really appreciate any advice!

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One response to “Best ways to eat aubergine?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great to hear you’re trying new foods and expanding your cooking skills! Aubergine (or eggplant) can be a bit tricky due to its texture, but there are definitely ways to prepare it that can enhance your experience. Here are some suggestions:

    1. Frying: If you didn’t enjoy the soft texture in the tray bake, frying the aubergine can give it a nice crispy exterior. Cut it into cubes or thick slices and pan-fry it in oil until golden brown. You can also dust the pieces with a bit of flour or cornstarch to enhance the crunch.

    2. Roasting: Another excellent option is to roast aubergine. Cut it into larger chunks, toss in olive oil, and season with your favorite herbs and spices. Roasting will give it a deeper flavor and a firmer texture compared to baking it in a saucy dish.

    3. Grilling: Slicing the aubergine into thicker rounds and grilling it can also provide a satisfying smokiness and a firmer bite. Brush with a bit of oil and season – it’s great in salads, wraps, or as a side.

    4. Stuffing: You can hollow out the aubergine (cut in half lengthwise) and stuff it with a mixture of your choice – like quinoa, vegetables, and cheese – then bake it. This will change the texture and make it a hearty dish.

    5. Sautéing: Dicing the aubergine and sautéing it with other vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions) can give you more control over the texture. Cooking it briefly will keep it tender but not mushy.

    6. Curry: Incorporating aubergine into a curry can be a wonderful way to enjoy it. The spices and sauce can complement the aubergine’s texture and flavor without it being the main focus.

    Finally, salting the aubergine before cooking can help draw out some moisture and reduce the softness. Just cut it, salt it, and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.

    Experiment with these methods, and hopefully, you’ll find a way to enjoy aubergine that suits your taste! Happy cooking!

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