Italy is known for its delicious cuisine, and one dish that is a staple in many Italian households is pickled eggplant. This tangy and flavorful dish is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a topping for sandwiches and pizza. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can easily make your own pickled eggplant at home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian pickled eggplant recipe and how you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Red Pepper, Zucchini, Onion, Balsamic
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy sandwich option, try this Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Sandwich. Packed with flavorful roasted vegetables and a tangy balsamic glaze, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It's also vegan-friendly and can easily be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread. It's the perfect lunch or dinner option for a busy day.
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PLANTAIN LASAGNE WITH RAINBOW SLAW
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Spring Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Scotch Bonnet
Who says lasagna has to be made with pasta? This Plantain Lasagna with Rainbow Slaw takes a unique twist on the classic dish by using sliced plantains as the "pasta" layers. The colorful rainbow slaw adds a burst of flavor and crunch, making this dish both delicious and visually appealing. It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal.
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Vegan BLTA
Main Ingredients: Maple Syrup, Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Low Sodium
If you love the classic BLT sandwich, you have to try this vegan version. The Vegan BLTA swaps out traditional bacon for crispy tofu strips and uses avocado instead of mayo for a healthier option. The creamy avocado and crunchy tofu make for the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It's a must-try for any vegan or vegetarian.
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Summer Vegetable Hash with Brown Rice + Poached Egg
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Green Beans
For a hearty and filling breakfast or brunch option, try this Summer Vegetable Hash with Brown Rice and Poached Egg. It's loaded with fresh summer vegetables like squash, zucchini, and bell peppers, and topped with a perfectly cooked poached egg. The nutty brown rice adds a delicious and healthy twist to this classic dish.
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Roasted Vegetable Salad
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Butternut Squash, Medium Zucchini, Seeds
If you're in need of a light and refreshing meal, this Roasted Vegetable Salad is the way to go. It's packed with roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini, and topped with a flavorful lemon vinaigrette. This salad is both delicious and nutrient-packed, making it the perfect option for a healthy lunch or dinner.
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Low Carb Eggplant Bites
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Vegan Mayonnaise, Unsweetened Almond Milk
If you're watching your carb intake but still want to enjoy some tasty appetizers, these Low Carb Eggplant Bites are a must-try. The crispy eggplant rounds are topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet balsamic glaze, and fresh herbs. They're a great alternative to traditional high-carb appetizers and will be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Green Monster Veggie Burger
Main Ingredients: Frozen Peas, Kale, Florets, Broccoli, Celery Stalk
Looking for a veggie burger that actually tastes good? Look no further than this Green Monster Veggie Burger. Packed with spinach, broccoli, and green bell peppers, this burger is both nutrient-dense and delicious. Top it with your favorite burger toppings and enjoy a tasty and healthy meal.
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Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with Vegan Arugula Walnut...
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Arugula, Basil
This Roasted Eggplant Sandwich with Vegan Arugula Walnut Pesto is a mouth-watering combination of roasted eggplant, creamy avocado, and flavorful pesto. The arugula walnut pesto adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic sandwich. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Spinach and Eggplant Salad
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach Leaves, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion
This Spinach and Eggplant Salad is a perfect combination of fresh spinach, roasted eggplant, and sweet dried cranberries. It's topped with a creamy balsamic dressing and crunchy walnuts, making it a delicious and healthy meal option. It's also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.
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Vegan Shuba (Eggplant under the sea)
Main Ingredients: Beetroot, Medium Carrots, Medium Potatoes, Purple
This Vegan Shuba, also known as "Eggplant under the sea", is a traditional Russian dish that has been given a vegan twist. It's made with layers of roasted eggplant, carrots, beets, and potatoes, all topped with a creamy cashew-based dressing. This dish is both flavorful and nourishing, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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South Carolina Vegan Catfish and Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Large Carrot, White Onion
If you're a fan of Southern comfort food, you have to try this South Carolina Vegan Catfish and Coleslaw. The crispy tofu "catfish" is coated in a spicy cornmeal mixture and served with a creamy vegan coleslaw. It's a delicious and vegan-friendly twist on a classic dish that will leave you wanting more.
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Scrumptious Roasted Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Carrot, Red Onions, Red Bell Pepper
Roasted vegetables are a staple in many households, and for good reason. This recipe for Scrumptious Roasted Vegetables takes seasonal vegetables like squash, zucchini, and bell peppers, and roasts them to perfection. You can serve them as a side dish or mix them into pasta, salads, or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
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Baked Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a simple and delicious way to cook eggplant, try this Baked Eggplant recipe. It's a basic recipe that can be used as a side dish or as a base for other dishes like eggplant parmesan or ratatouille. Simply bake the eggplant with some olive oil and spices until tender, and you'll have a delicious and versatile dish.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. This recipe for Eggplant Parmesan uses breaded and baked eggplant slices layered with tomato sauce and vegan parmesan cheese. It's a healthy and vegan-friendly twist on a beloved dish that will satisfy your cravings.
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Baked Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Eggplants, Roma Tomatoes
Ratatouille is a traditional French dish that is both colorful and delicious. This recipe for Baked Ratatouille layers sliced eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes with a herb-infused tomato sauce. It's a great way to use up any extra vegetables you have on hand and makes for a flavorful and healthy meal.
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Szechuan Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Shallots, Minced Garlic, Chilli Sauce, Soya
If you're in the mood for some spicy and flavorful Chinese food, try this Szechuan Eggplant recipe. The stir-fried eggplant is coated in a spicy Szechuan sauce and served over a bed of fluffy white rice. It's a vegan-friendly and gluten-free option that will satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout.
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Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium
Another way to enjoy the classic French dish, Ratatouille, is by making it into a savory and hearty stew. This recipe for Ratatouille incorporates white beans and spinach to make it even more nutrient-dense. It's a great option for a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal.
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Eggplant Fricassée
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Tomatoes, Sweet Onions, Extra Virgin Olive
This Eggplant Fricassée is a creamy and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly night. It's made by simmering eggplant and tomatoes in a creamy coconut milk sauce and served over a bed of fluffy quinoa. It's a gluten-free and vegan-friendly option that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Grilled Eggplant Parmigiana (Italy)
Main Ingredients: Medium Eggplants, Medium Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you're in the mood for some Italian comfort food, this Grilled Eggplant Parmigiana is the perfect dish. The sliced eggplant is grilled to perfection and then layered with a savory tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese. It's a delicious and indulgent dish that will transport you to Italy with every bite.
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Tuscan Pork Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Olive Oil, Dijon Style Mustard, Lemon
This Tuscan Pork Sandwich is a hearty and flavorful option for a lunch or dinner meal. The pork tenderloin is marinated in a garlic and herb mixture and then grilled to perfection. It's topped with roasted red peppers and creamy goat cheese, making for a delicious and satisfying meal option.
The Art of Pickling in Italy
The History of Pickling
Pickling is a preservation method that has been used for centuries in Italy. In the past, pickling was a necessity to preserve vegetables and fruits, especially during the long winter months when fresh produce was scarce. Over time, it has become an integral part of Italian cuisine, with each region having its own unique pickling recipes and techniques.
The Benefits of Pickling
Apart from extending the shelf life of vegetables, pickling also has numerous health benefits. It increases the nutritional value of vegetables, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. The pickling process also creates a tangy and flavorful taste that is perfect for enhancing the flavor of various dishes.
The Traditional Italian Pickled Eggplant Recipe
Ingredients:
Eggplant - Choose firm and fresh eggplants
White vinegar - For pickling the eggplant
Water - To dilute the vinegar
Garlic cloves - For added flavor
Fresh herbs - Such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary
Chili peppers - Optional for added spice
Salt - For seasoning
Instructions:
Wash and dry the eggplants. Cut them into thin slices and sprinkle them with salt. Set them aside for about 30 minutes to remove any excess moisture.
In a pot, mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Add in garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and chili peppers (if desired). Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool.
Rinse the salt off the eggplant slices and pat them dry. Place them in a glass jar and pour the cooled vinegar mixture over them. Make sure the liquid covers the eggplant slices completely.
Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. The longer you let it sit, the more flavorful the pickled eggplant will be.
Once ready, you can enjoy your homemade pickled eggplant as a side dish, in sandwiches, or on top of pizza.
Get Creative with Pickled Eggplant
The traditional Italian pickled eggplant recipe is just the beginning. You can get creative and add your own twist to it. Some people add olive oil to the vinegar mixture for a richer taste. Others add red wine vinegar for a more acidic flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique blend.
In Conclusion
Pickled eggplant is a delicious and versatile dish that has been a part of Italian cuisine for centuries. With this simple and easy recipe, you can now make your own pickled eggplant at home and enjoy it in various ways. So why not give it a try and add a taste of Italy to your next meal?
