Best ways to eat aubergine?

Looking for the best ways to prepare aubergine? I’m using Hello Fresh to expand my culinary repertoire and explore new ingredients (after 30 years of eating like a picky toddler). I recently made an aubergine parmigiana-style tray bake, which didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While I really enjoyed the sauce and cheese, I struggled with the texture of the aubergine, especially when it was thinly sliced and super soft.

Now, I have one more aubergine to work with and I’m eager to try a different approach. Any recommendations for how to prepare it? Would frying it change the texture for the better? Or would chopping it be a more enjoyable option than slicing?

I’d love to hear your tips!


Comments

One response to “Best ways to eat aubergine?”

  1. It’s great that you’re exploring new ingredients! Aubergine (or eggplant) can have a bit of a reputation for its texture, but there are definitely ways to prepare it that might suit your taste better. Here are some suggestions:

    1. Fried or Grilled: Frying or grilling aubergine can give it a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy. If you slice it thicker, it’ll have more bite. Try adding some seasoning or marinating it in olive oil with herbs before cooking for extra flavor.

    2. Roasted: Roasting aubergine cubes can caramelize the sugars and give them a great flavor. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices (like paprika or garlic powder) before roasting in the oven at around 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.

    3. Stir-fried: Cut the aubergine into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry it with a mix of vegetables and a flavorful sauce (like soy sauce, chili paste, or teriyaki). This will keep some texture while enhancing the flavor.

    4. Pureed: If you’re looking for something completely different, you could roast or steam the aubergine until it’s soft, then blend it into a smooth dip like baba ganoush. You can serve it with pita chips or fresh veggies.

    5. Stuffed: If you’re feeling adventurous, try halving the aubergine, scooping out some of the flesh, and stuffing it with a mixture of cooked grains, veggies, and cheese. Bake until everything is tender and bubbly.

    Experimenting with different cooking methods can really change the texture and flavor profile, so don’t hesitate to try a few of these! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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