15 Italian Preserved Eggplant Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
The Italian preserved eggplant recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. The preserved eggplants have a unique tangy and savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations, and its simplicity and deliciousness make it a staple in many Italian households. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make this delectable dish and some tips to ensure the best result.
Looking for a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken? This Italian pickled eggplant recipe is the perfect combination of tangy and savory. Marinated in a blend of vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasonings, the eggplant adds a delicious depth of flavor to the chicken. Plus, the pickling process helps to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist during grilling. Serve with a side of arugula salad for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
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Italian-Style Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
This eggplant recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Sliced eggplant is grilled to perfection and then topped with a fresh tomato and garlic sauce for a burst of Italian flavors. The addition of grilled chicken on top makes this an ideal dish for any summer barbecue. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This traditional Sicilian dish is a perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. Chunks of eggplant are sautéed with tomatoes, olives, and capers to create a hearty and flavorful side dish. The sweet and sour sauce pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken. For extra flavor, add some chopped anchovies to the caponata before serving.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this Italian-inspired ratatouille. Sliced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are sautéed with Italian sausages for a hearty and flavorful side dish. Top with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy and delicious finish. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
Simple yet delicious, this Italian grilled eggplant recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Eggplant slices are brushed with olive oil and Italian seasoning and then grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
Fried eggplant is a classic Italian dish and is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. Slice eggplant and dip in an egg and breadcrumb mixture before frying until crispy and golden brown. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with a side of spaghetti with marinara sauce for a true Italian feast.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty casserole is filled with layers of sliced eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes for a delicious and healthy side dish. Top with a layer of Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crispy and flavorful finish. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This creamy and cheesy eggplant bake is the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Layers of eggplant, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce are topped with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness and flavor.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This Italian chicken dish is the perfect way to incorporate eggplant into your beer can chicken meal. Chicken thighs are braised with eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with a side of creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious juices.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this Italian-inspired version. Slices of eggplant are grilled and sandwiched between two slices of crusty Italian bread along with mozzarella cheese, tomato, and basil. Brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil for an extra burst of flavor. This sandwich pairs perfectly with a cold beer can chicken.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
This twist on a classic Italian dish is the perfect way to incorporate eggplant into your beer can chicken meal. Slices of eggplant are used in place of pasta to create a delicious and hearty lasagna. Top with a layer of béchamel sauce for a creamy and decadent finish. This dish is sure to impress your guests.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This simple fried eggplant recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Slices of eggplant are dipped in a batter made with flour, eggs, and Italian seasoning before frying until crispy and golden brown. The moisture from the eggplant keeps the chicken tender and juicy during the grilling process. Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
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Paleo Italian Breaded Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Arrowroot Flour, Sea Salt, Ground
For those following a paleo diet, this breaded eggplant recipe is the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. Almond flour and Italian seasonings are used in place of traditional breadcrumbs to create a crispy and flavorful coating for the eggplant. For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs to the breading mixture. Serve with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete and healthy meal.
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Italian Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Butter, Italian Sausage, Onion, Cloves
This hearty and flavorful casserole is filled with a variety of Italian vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a delicious and healthy side dish. Top with a layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crispy and flavorful finish. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Medium Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes
This easy and delicious eggplant casserole is the perfect way to incorporate this versatile vegetable into your beer can chicken meal. Layers of eggplant, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce are baked until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
This healthy and flavorful casserole is filled with quinoa, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes for a nutritious and delicious side dish. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese and bake until melted and golden brown. Serve with a side of grilled chicken for a complete and protein-packed meal.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
This antipasto platter is the perfect way to kick off a beer can chicken meal. A variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables are arranged on a platter for a colorful and flavorful appetizer. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping. This platter is sure to impress your guests and get them excited for the main course.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Egg
This classic Italian dish is the perfect pairing for beer can chicken. Slices of eggplant are breaded and fried before being topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with a side of spaghetti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Zucchini, Yellow Squash
This flavorful and colorful dish is the perfect way to incorporate eggplant into your beer can chicken meal. Slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are sautéed with tomatoes and herbs for a hearty and healthy side dish. Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
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Chicken Sorrentino
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
This Italian chicken dish is the perfect way to incorporate eggplant into your beer can chicken meal. Chicken breasts are stuffed with eggplant, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese and then baked until tender and juicy. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a delicious and complete meal.
Ingredients you will need:
1. Eggplant
The main ingredient of this recipe is, of course, the eggplant. Select firm, unblemished eggplants that are about 6-8 inches long. Make sure to choose eggplants that are not too ripe, as they may become mushy after preservation. Slice the eggplants into ¼ inch rounds.
2. Salt
Salt is essential in preserving the eggplants and bringing out their flavor. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best result. Sprinkle salt generously over the eggplant slices and let them sit for about an hour. This will help draw out any excess moisture from the eggplants.
3. White wine vinegar
White wine vinegar is used to make the brine for preserving the eggplants. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Make sure to use high-quality white wine vinegar for the best result.
4. Garlic and herbs
Garlic and herbs are added to the brine to infuse the preserved eggplants with additional flavors. You can use your favorite herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to customize the taste according to your preferences.
Steps to make the Italian preserved eggplant:
1. After an hour, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
2. In a large pot, bring the white wine vinegar, herbs, and sliced garlic to a boil.
3. Gently add the eggplant slices to the boiling brine and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the eggplants from the brine and let them cool down.
5. Once cooled, layer the eggplant slices in a sterilized jar, alternating with the garlic and herbs.
6. Pour the remaining brine over the eggplants, making sure they are completely covered.
7. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit for at least 24 hours before consuming.
8. The preserved eggplants can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Tips for the best result:
- Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Do not skip the salting step, as it helps to remove excess moisture from the eggplants.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the brine to customize the taste.
- For a spicier kick, you can also add some chili flakes to the brine.
- Make sure to sterilize the jar before using it to prevent any bacterial contamination.
Now that you know how to make this delicious Italian preserved eggplant recipe, it's time to try it out for yourself. Enjoy it as a side dish, on top of a salad, or as a topping for your favorite pizza. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish. Impress your family and friends with your homemade preserved eggplants and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Bon appétit!