This roasted eggplant was adapted from a recipe from the Phoenix chef Chris Bianco, who regularly showcases Arizona eggplant as an antipasto at his restaurants Pizzeria Bianco and Tratto. But it works just as well with thick sliced conventional eggplant, and tomato sauce or sweet peppers substituted for the heirloom tomato. The succulent roasted eggplant comes together with the comforting flavors of the thyme, garlic and tomato. Serve as a side, or pair with polenta or fresh bread to round out a main course.
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You Keep the Skin On So peeling the skin off and cubing it for roasting or sautéing is the way to go,” says Maria Covarrubias, in-house chef at Chosen Foods. “For smaller varieties, like Japanese eggplant, you can slice it on a bias and sauté, roast, or deep fry,” she adds.
Japanese eggplant is available year-round. Look for firm fruits (yes, its a fruit) that feel heavy for their size with smooth, evenly colored skin thats free of blemishes, dings, cracks, and scars. The stem end should be brightly colored. Stored unwashed, unwrapped, and uncut in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, Japanese eggplant will keep for a good three or four days.
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What can eggplant do? Turn it into a super scrumptious vegan unagi!
FAQ
Do Japanese eggplant need to be peeled?
Is the skin of Japanese eggplant edible?
Do you need to peel a Japanese eggplant?
There’s no need to peel the eggplant—the skin of a Japanese eggplant is thin and easy to bite through. Be careful not to cut your fingers while slicing the eggplant. Heat the peanut oil and sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of peanut oil and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of sesame oil.
Should eggplant be peeled prior to cooking?
Anthocyanins present in the skin of eggplant rise serum antioxidant volume and support against heart illness and hyperlipidemia by decreasing LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Therefore, to have all of the health benefits of this vegetable, it should not be peeled.
Can You peel eggplant skin?
Although you can peel the skin, as mentioned, it is perfectly safe and beneficial to keep the peel of the eggplant on. Should you choose to reap the nutritional benefits, here are some tips and tricks to a delicious eggplant (skin and all) at home every time. Ensuring that the skin of your eggplant cooks down perfectly starts while you’re shopping.
Why do eggplants need to be peeled?
You rely on it to keep the content inside, and it keeps a lot of moisture inside as well. This makes peeling the eggplant much easier, especially of you salt it to bring out moisture and soften the skin. If you were to roast the eggplants peeled you’d get a creamy, loose mess that would also burn right there on the grill.