3 Ways to Make Baked Eggplant

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3 Ways to Make Baked Eggplant
3 Ways to Make Baked Eggplant

Video: 3 Ways to Make Baked Eggplant

Video: 3 Ways to Make Baked Eggplant
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Roasted eggplant is a classic and healthy dish whose most basic form is very easy to prepare. Many people avoid frying eggplant as it can get oily and soggy if you're not careful. Here's how to prepare roasted eggplant with the correct texture: creamy inside and with a light crunchy layer on the outside.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Choosing and Processing Eggplant

Bake Eggplant Step 1
Bake Eggplant Step 1

Step 1. Select a good eggplant

An eggplant, which you can choose from the large variety available and dwarf eggplants, should feel firm to the touch, even when ripe. Find one with smooth dark purple or black skin, without too many bruises or blemishes.

Bake Eggplant Step 2
Bake Eggplant Step 2

Step 2. Wash the eggplant

Wash the eggplant thoroughly in cold water and rub the dirt off the surface of the eggplant. You can use a vegetable brush, especially if your eggplant came directly from a farm or farm and still has clumps of dirt on it.

Bake Eggplant Step 3
Bake Eggplant Step 3

Step 3. Cut the eggplant

Place the eggplant aside on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the end of the eggplant from the short end, being careful to remove the green part and the stalk. Then cut the eggplant according to your taste. Choose one of the following common ways to cut eggplant to prepare it for cooking:

  • Cut it in half lengthwise. This is the simplest method, and is a great option if you are working with small eggplants. Each half of the eggplant will account for one serving. Place the eggplant on the cutting board and carefully cut it end to end.

    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet1
    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet1
  • Cut it into slices. This is another popular method for preparing roasted eggplant. Eggplant slices can be cooked on their own or used as a base for more sophisticated dishes such as stuffed eggplant. Place the eggplant on the cutting board and use a knife to cut it into slices of equal width.

    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet2
    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet2
  • Cut it into cubes. Since eggplant can fall apart when cooked, cut it into cubes for a smoother, creamier overall result. To prepare it this way, cut the eggplant into slices, then cut each slice into quarters.

    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet3
    Bake Eggplant Step 3Bullet3

Method 2 of 3: Salting the Eggplant

Bake Eggplant Step 4
Bake Eggplant Step 4

Step 1. Sprinkle the sliced eggplant with kosher salt

Place the sliced eggplant on a baking sheet and use a generous amount of salt on the eggplant slices. Salt helps to take out the extra water, so the cooked eggplant will be less watery and inconsistent. It also prevents the eggplant from absorbing too much oil. You can skip this step if you're in a hurry, but it's worth it if you want the eggplant texture to be perfect.

Bake Eggplant Step 5
Bake Eggplant Step 5

Step 2. Wait 30 minutes

As the salt falls on the eggplant slices, you will see drops of water forming and coming out of the vegetable. If you don't notice this happening, sprinkle more salt over the eggplant.

Bake Eggplant Step 6
Bake Eggplant Step 6

Step 3. Remove the salted water from the eggplant slices

Carefully squeeze the water in a basin or sink, then wipe the eggplant slices with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Be careful not to squish and crush the eggplant.

Method 3 of 3: Baking the Eggplant

Bake Eggplant Step 7
Bake Eggplant Step 7

Step 1. Preheat oven to 176 °C

Bake Eggplant Step 8
Bake Eggplant Step 8

Step 2. Grease the eggplant slices

Place the eggplant cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle the eggplant with olive oil or another type of vegetable oil. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to smooth the oil over the eggplant until the flesh is lightly and completely coated. Sprinkle the slices with salt and pepper.

Bake Eggplant Step 9
Bake Eggplant Step 9

Step 3. Bake the eggplant

Place the eggplant in the oven and bake until the inside is creamy and the edges and surface are crispy; should take about 20 minutes.

  • If you like eggplant and cheese, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan, cheddar or goat cheese. Put it back in the oven for another five minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  • For another variation, try adding tomatoes and garlic to eggplant. Place the tomato halves and garlic cloves around the eggplant slices and bake them together for 30 minutes.
Bake Eggplant Intro
Bake Eggplant Intro

Step 4. Finished

Tips

  • Check your eggplant while it's roasting - the time required can vary greatly depending on the size of your eggplant.
  • Choose firm, shiny eggplants that have no signs of deterioration (ie, dark spots, large spots).
  • If your eggplants seem to be getting a little dry, splash some water on them, in addition to putting some water on the baking sheet. Alternatively, you can place a metal cup of water in the oven with the eggplant.
  • You may prefer to cut your eggplant into cubes and add them to a roast chicken or other dish while it is in the oven.
  • A tasty and classic recipe straight from Italy is eggplant parmigiana.

Notices

  • Do not touch the eggplant with your hands as soon as you take it out of the oven - it will be very hot!
  • Wash eggplants thoroughly before using them.

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