How to cook eggplant

If eggplant is not a regular ingredient in your recipes there are many ways to incorporate it into your diet. It is both versatile and delicious and because it’s so hearty it is also an excellent substitute for meat. Eggplant has a bitter taste and spongy texture and as such  is best grilled, roasted, fried, sautéed, stewed, barbequed, stuffed or even microwaved. It marries well with other full-bodied foods such as tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, garlic, olive oil and fennel seeds and is great served with cheese, pulses and meats.

How to choose eggplant

Eggplant come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes and are at their best between July and September. You should choose an eggplant which has a firm, glossy skin and is smooth and unblemished.

How to prepare eggplant

• Wash the eggplant.
• If the skin is smooth and unblemished you can leave it on. Older eggplant should be skinned however as the skin turns bitter. Use a peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin (as thinly as you can).
• Use the eggplant straight after peeling, otherwise the flesh will discolour.
• Cut the top and bottom ends off with a sharp knife.
• Cut into slices or cubes as desired (make sure the slices are not too thin and the cubes are not too small though, as this could result in disintegration when cooked).
• You can salt your eggplant before cooking (or sprinkle with some Herbamare seasoning salt). Whilst this isn't essential, it does reduce the bitter taste. You can also add pepper and/or herbs.
• If salting, place your slices or cubes on a plate or paper towel and sprinkle both sides.
• Ensure that your eggplant is dry before cooking by squeezing it with a paper towel. This will stop the eggplant absorbing any oil whilst cooking (if you are using it).

How to grill/barbeque eggplant

Eggplant is perfect for grilling or barbequing due to its squishy texture, which acts like a sponge and soaks up any oil or marinade (for this reason it’s important not to use too much oil). It is also fast and easy as no pre-boiling is required.

Peel the eggplant, if required, and cut into slices of about 1/2 inch (1 cm), then brush each slice on both sides with olive oil. As well as adding flavour, this also keeps them from sticking to the grill rack.

Season with salt or Herbamare seasoning salt, pepper and herbs. You could also brush with a marinade of oil, lemon juice, garlic, chilli and herbs (or a mix of your choice).

Place the eggplant slices directly on the grill rack for about 8 minutes, turning once.

If barbequing, place the eggplant slices directly onto the grill rack over the coals at a medium heat and cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally.

How to roast eggplant

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 356°F

Peel the eggplant if required

Cut the eggplant into 1/2 inch (1 cm) slices or chunks

Drizzle with a little olive oil to coat

Add sea salt and any other seasoning as required (pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, fennel seed, garlic or Herbamare seasoning salt)

Spread in a single layer onto a pre-heated baking tray

Roast for 20 minutes in a conventional oven or 15 minutes in a fan-assisted oven.

How to fry/sauté eggplant

Brush slices of eggplant with a little olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt or herbamare and pepper

Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over a medium to high heat

Add your eggplant slices to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes per side or until golden

How to microwave eggplant

Peel the eggplant if required and cut into 3/4-inch (2 cm) cubes.

Season with salt or Herbamare seasoning salt, pepper and herbs (optional)

Place your cubes in a microwaveable dish with 2 tablespoons water, then cover.

Microwave on full/high power for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender, stirring once half-way through cooking.

Storage

Cooked eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days (at the ready for adding to salads, pasta, risotto and all your favourite recipes). Due to its high water content, cooked eggplant can also be frozen. Frying or roasting, then coating it in flour, works well for freezing.

Whatever way you decide to cook your eggplant, there are so many wonderful recipes spanning different types of cuisine from across the globe, including moussaka, baba ganoush, ratatouille, parmigiana and stuffed eggplant, so why not give one a go tonight!