Now is the time when fresh eggplant is readily available at the farmers’ markets and in the grocery stores. We are all very familiar with the long deep purple pear-shaped variety, but do try newer varieties that are white, yellow or even pink in color. Like all vegetables, eggplant is low in fat and provides our diet with vitamins, minerals and fiber.
When buying eggplant, choose one with a bright color that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of scars. The skin should be glossy, with a firm flesh. Avoid eggplant with brown or blue streaks, or that is shriveled and flabby. Store eggplant in a plastic bag in your refrigerator. Use within a couple of days. To freeze eggplant for use later, roast the eggplant first. Then label and freeze. Frozen roasted eggplant can be added to pasta dishes and stir-fry.
Eggplant is a very multipurpose vegetable that can be baked, broiled, grilled, fried, and stuffed. Use in a variety of casseroles with other vegetables. It goes well with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and cheese.
Short on time? Try these easy ways to prepare eggplant for your family.
Oven-Roasted Eggplant. Cut an eggplant into chunks that are about 1-inch in size. Add about 1-2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Spread the eggplant out on a baking sheet covered with cooking spray. Bake at 475 degrees for about 25-30 minutes, stirring once. Eat as a side dish or put roasted eggplants on sandwiches, wraps, lasagna, pizza or pasta.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant. Put slices on a baking sheet, and then top each slice with one tablespoon of pasta sauce and one tablespoon of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. For Mexican-style flavors, top the eggplant slices with salsa and mexican cheese, then bake as directed.
Galloping Good Eggplant is an easy skillet dish. Serve it as a side with any meal.
For recipes that take a little more time, try an all-time favorite Eggplant Parmesan. Here, the eggplant is covered with bread crumbs and then baked in a tomato sauce with cheese.
More eggplant and summer vegetable recipes can be found on our Eat Smart Website.
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