Italian Marinated Aubergine Food

ITALIAN PICKLED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Peel and thinly slice the eggplant, I cut it crosswise in three, then thinly sliced them (see photos), do them one at a time, after you have done one, place the cut eggplant in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of salt, continue with each eggplant. Cover the bowl and let sit for 8 hours at room temperature.
• After the 8 hours, drain the liquid (but do not rinse the eggplant) and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
• In a big pot bring to a boil the water and white wine vinegar, add the eggplant and boil for about 7-10 minutes or until tender. Taste one to make sure it is tender.
• Drain the eggplant and again wring out excess moisture. Place the eggplant in a large bowl and toss with the spices. Spoon into the sterilized jars , leaving at least 3/4 inch of space, then top with oil. Make sure that the eggplant is completely covered with oil, press down on the eggplant to remove any air bubbles and add more oil if necessary before closing the jar. Let sit at least 24 hours before serving. Enjoy!

ITALIAN MARINATED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• Peel eggplant.
• Cut the eggplants into thin long strips, like french fries.
• Place in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, and set a plate and a weight on top. Set the colander in a large bowl and set aside for at least 2 hours.
• Squeeze as much water as you can from eggplant.
• Place water and vinegar to boil.
• Place eggplant in boiling water for 3 minutes only. Don't over cook or will be mushy.
• Drain in colander, set a plate and a weight on top. Set colander in a large bowl and set aside for at least 4 hours I do overnight.
• Squeeze any remaining liquid you can out of eggplant. Put eggplant in glass jar with fresh garlic cloves , fresh cut into big chunks hot peppers, fresh mint and good drizzle of olive oil. Shake up and refrigerate. Makes 1 quart. Enjoy!

ITALIAN MARINATED AUBERGINE

Steps:

• Slice the aubergine into rounds and place on either a hot barbecue or grill pan and char on each side until softened. Turn frequently taking care not to burn the aubergine. Do not add any oil to either the pan or the aubergine as this will make the vegetable soggy. Once done set the aubergine aside to cool.
• Place all the remaining ingredients into a bowl, add the cooled aubergine and mix well to combine. Transfer to a good sealing container, ensuring the olive oil completely covers the aubergine, if not then top up with more olive oil. Place in the fridge where the aubergine will keep well for a week if properly sealed.

MARINATED AUBERGINE & ROCKET SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the aubergine with 2 tbsp olive oil and seasoning in a large roasting tin and roast for 30 mins until golden and soft.
• When cooked, toss with the vinegar, sultanas and remaining oil. Scatter over the rocket just before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature.

ITALIAN AUBERGINE TRAYBAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a roasting tin, toss the aubergine with the oil and roast for 15 mins, then stir in the tomatoes, garlic, olives and torn basil leaves, and cook for another 10 mins.
• Top with the bread and dot with the chunks of mozzarella. Bake for a further 25 mins, then scatter over the remaining basil leaves before serving.

BALSAMIC MARINATED GRILLED EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)

Steps:

• Combine the first 6 ingredients and pour over the eggplant.
• Marinate overnight (or at least four (4) hours).
• Cook on a pre-heated grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes each side.
• The eggplant will get dark brown and lightly crisp on the outside, and soft in the center.

ITALIAN MARINATED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Place eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Place a plate with a weight on top ( like two 1 -pound cans ) and leave to drain for 1 hour. Pat eggplant dry with paper towels.
• Preheat broiler. Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place half the eggplant on baking sheet and toss to coat with. Broil 3 inches from heat for 2 minutes.
• Turn eggplant and broil 2 to 3 minutes more, until it begins to turn golden brown. Remove eggplant to a large platter. Repeat with another tablespoon olive oil and remaining eggplant.
• Add garlic, mint, basil, parsley and pepper to eggplant. Toss to mix. Add remaining olive oil , toss again.
• You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or ( to save space, like I did before 12 hungry people came over and we has one titchy fridge ) don't use the bowl in the step above and just use a ziploc bag for tossing and storing.
• Marinate in fridge for a whole day. Serve at room temperature.