15 Eggplant Preserved In Olive Oil Italian Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Eggplant is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is a staple in Italian cuisine. While there are many delicious ways to prepare eggplant, one of the most popular methods is to preserve it in olive oil. This traditional Italian recipe not only enhances the flavor of the eggplant, but also extends its shelf life, making it a great addition to your pantry. In this article, we will dive into the process of preserving eggplant in olive oil and provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious and authentic Italian dish. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
One of the most delicious and versatile vegetables in Italian cuisine is eggplant. It is a staple in many traditional dishes and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the most popular methods of cooking eggplant is grilling it, which brings out its rich and smoky flavor. Here are 20 delicious and easy Italian-style grilled eggplant recipes that will elevate your next meal.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
Caponata is a Sicilian dish that combines eggplant with other vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and celery. The mixture is then simmered in a sweet and sour sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and capers. The end result is a delicious and tangy relish that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish. For a twist on this traditional dish, try grilling the eggplant before adding it to the caponata for an extra layer of flavor.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
Ratatouille is a classic French dish made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It is usually served as a side dish, but in this recipe, it is paired with grilled Italian sausages for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of smoky grilled sausages and tender grilled vegetables makes this a perfect summer dinner option.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Grated Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce and cheese. In this grilled version, the eggplant slices are lightly brushed with oil and grilled until tender before being topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a lighter and more flavorful version of the classic dish.
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Roasted Eggplant with Ricotta and Mint
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Eggplant, Crumbled Ricotta Salata, Capers
This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for showcasing the subtle flavor of grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are grilled until tender and then topped with a mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish can be served as an appetizer or a side dish and is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
This classic Italian dish is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs before being grilled until tender. The result is a smoky and savory side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This delicious and satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The grilled eggplant slices are layered with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs before being baked to perfection. The result is a creamy and flavorful eggplant casserole that will have your family asking for seconds.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
Cacciatore is a classic Italian stew made with chicken, tomatoes, and vegetables. In this version, eggplant is added to the mix for an extra dose of flavor and texture. The eggplant is grilled until tender and then added to the stew, where it absorbs all the delicious flavors and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
This twist on traditional lasagna replaces the noodles with thinly sliced grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are used to layer with a mixture of ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This version is lighter and lower in carbs than traditional lasagna, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
This hearty and healthy casserole is filled with a medley of grilled vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. The vegetables are mixed with quinoa, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese before being baked until bubbly and golden brown. This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing any taste.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
Antipasto is a traditional Italian appetizer platter that typically includes a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. In this recipe, grilled eggplant is used as a base for a colorful and delicious antipasto platter. The eggplant slices are topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted peppers, creating a beautiful and tasty starter dish.
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Chicken Sorrentino
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
This mouthwatering dish is a combination of grilled chicken, eggplant, prosciutto, and cheese. The chicken breasts are grilled and then topped with eggplant slices, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese before being baked to perfection. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
This unique and delicious pie is perfect for showcasing the flavor of grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are layered with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and herbs before being baked in a flaky pie crust. This dish can be served as a main course or cut into smaller pieces for a tasty appetizer.
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Pasta alla Norma | Authentic Italian Eggplant Pasta
Main Ingredients: Large Eggplant, Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that combines eggplant with pasta and tomato sauce. In this grilled version, the eggplant is grilled until tender and then added to the pasta along with a flavorful tomato sauce and fresh basil. The result is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
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Layered Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Tomato Puree, Oregano, Crushed
This beautiful and delicious dish is a twist on the classic French dish ratatouille. Grilled eggplant slices are layered with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a colorful and flavorful dish. The layers are then drizzled with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being baked until tender and golden brown.
This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter night. Grilled eggplant slices are layered with creamy polenta and a flavorful meat sauce before being baked to perfection. The result is a delicious and satisfying casserole that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Ratatouille Pizza
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini, Japanese Eggplant, Pizza
This creative and tasty pizza is a delicious way to use up leftover grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are used as a topping along with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The pizza is then drizzled with a flavorful tomato sauce and sprinkled with cheese before being baked to perfection. This pizza is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza.
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Baked Goat Cheese Marinara
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Tomato Sauce, Diced
This tasty appetizer is a delicious way to enjoy grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are topped with marinara sauce, slices of goat cheese, and fresh herbs before being baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish can be served as a starter or as a side dish for a more substantial meal.
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Pasta Alla Norma
Main Ingredients: Medium Eggplants, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Small Onion
This traditional Sicilian dish is a delicious way to use up leftover grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are added to a simple tomato and basil sauce and served over pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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Julia Child’s Eggplant Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Globe Eggplant, Salt, Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning
These mini eggplant pizzas are a fun and delicious way to enjoy grilled eggplant. The eggplant slices are topped with a mixture of tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings before being grilled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These mini pizzas are perfect for parties or as a fun family dinner option.
The Benefits of Preserving Eggplant in Olive Oil
Preserving eggplant in olive oil is not only a tasty way to enjoy this vegetable, but it also has several health benefits. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall heart health. Additionally, the oil helps to preserve the eggplant, keeping it fresh for longer periods of time. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals or those who want to stock up on ingredients for future meals. The combination of eggplant and olive oil also creates a delicious and nutritious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preserving Eggplant in Olive Oil
Now that you know the benefits of preserving eggplant in olive oil, let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious Italian dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Start by selecting firm and ripe eggplants from your local grocery store or farmer's market. Wash the eggplants and cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes. This will help to draw out excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Fry the Eggplant
In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and fry until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the eggplant from the pan and let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Jars
While the eggplant is cooling, sterilize mason jars by boiling them in hot water for 10 minutes. Once sterilized, let them dry completely.
Step 4: Layer the Eggplant and Olive Oil in the Jars
Start by adding a layer of eggplant slices to the bottom of the jar, then sprinkle some garlic , oregano , and red pepper flakes on top. Repeat this process until the jar is full, making sure to leave a little room at the top. Finally, pour olive oil over the eggplant until it is completely submerged.
Step 5: Seal and Store the Jars
Seal the jars tightly and store them in a cool and dark place for at least 2 weeks before consuming. This will allow the flavors to infuse and the eggplant to fully marinate in the olive oil. Once opened, store the jars in the refrigerator and use within 2-3 months.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once the jars have marinated for at least 2 weeks, your eggplant preserved in olive oil is ready to eat! Serve as a delicious antipasto, add to sandwiches or pasta dishes, or enjoy as a flavorful snack on its own. The possibilities are endless with this versatile and delicious Italian dish.
Now that you know how to preserve eggplant in olive oil, it's time to get cooking! Impress your friends and family with this traditional Italian recipe and enjoy the health benefits and delicious flavors of this tasty dish.
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