19 Recipe For Italian Marinated Eggplant Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
One of the most versatile and delicious vegetables in Italian cuisine is eggplant. Whether it's baked, fried, or grilled, eggplant is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. However, one of the most flavorful ways to prepare eggplant is by marinating it. In this article, we will share a tried and tested recipe for Italian marinated eggplant that will surely become a favorite in your household. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform this humble vegetable into a mouth-watering and versatile dish.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than this Italian-style grilled eggplant recipe. Sliced eggplant is marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and smoky eggplant that pairs perfectly with the juicy and flavorful chicken.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This traditional Italian dish combines eggplant with a variety of other vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, celery, and olives. The vegetables are cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and capers, giving this dish a bold and unique flavor. Serve this alongside your beer can chicken for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
If you're looking for a heartier side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Italian sausage and ratatouille recipe. Slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are sautéed with garlic and Italian sausages, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that will be a hit with the whole family.
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Italian Marinated Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Red Chili, Oregano, Fresh Mint, Garlic
This simple yet delicious recipe marinates slices of eggplant in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and oregano before grilling them to perfection. The marinade infuses the eggplant with flavor and helps to tenderize it, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
For a quick and easy side dish that packs a punch of flavor, try this Italian grilled eggplant recipe. Slices of eggplant are brushed with a mixture of olive oil and Italian herbs, then grilled until tender and charred. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser and the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. Thin slices of eggplant are dipped in an egg and breadcrumb mixture, then fried until crispy and golden brown. The result is a crunchy and flavorful eggplant that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty and flavorful casserole features layers of eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, all topped with a rich and creamy béchamel sauce. The casserole is then baked until golden and bubbly, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This delicious and decadent dish combines eggplant with a creamy and flavorful ricotta cheese, creating a rich and satisfying side dish. The eggplant is layered with the ricotta cheese and a savory tomato sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This classic Italian dish is typically made with chicken, but this vegetarian version swaps out the chicken for eggplant, making it the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Slices of eggplant are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and mushrooms, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
For a fun twist on a classic sandwich, try this Italian eggplant grilled cheese. Slices of eggplant are grilled until tender and slightly charred, then sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread with melty cheese, creating a delicious and satisfying side dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
For a hearty and satisfying side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this eggplant lasagna. Thin slices of eggplant are used in place of traditional lasagna noodles, creating a lighter and healthier version of this classic dish. Layered with a rich meat sauce and mozzarella cheese, this lasagna will be a hit with the whole family.
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Marinated Eggplant and Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Italian Parsley
This simple and flavorful dish is the perfect side to accompany your beer can chicken. Slices of eggplant and tomatoes are marinated in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grilled until tender and slightly charred. The result is a fresh and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
If you're a fan of crispy fried eggplant, this recipe is for you. Slices of eggplant are coated in a mixture of flour, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then fried until golden and crispy. The result is a perfectly crispy and flavorful eggplant that will be a hit alongside your beer can chicken.
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Melanzane a scapece (Marinated Eggplant)
Main Ingredients: Small Eggplant, Salt, Olive Oil, White Wine Vinegar
This traditional Italian dish features marinated eggplant that is served cold, making it the perfect side dish for a hot summer day. Slices of eggplant are marinated in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and mint, then served with a sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. The tangy and refreshing flavors of this dish will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Grilled Marinated Swordfish Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Swordfish Steaks, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Fresh
If you're in the mood for seafood, this grilled marinated swordfish recipe is the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The swordfish is marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and basil, then grilled until tender and flaky. Serve it alongside your chicken for a surf and turf dinner that will impress your guests.
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Paleo Italian Breaded Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Arrowroot Flour, Sea Salt, Ground
This paleo-friendly recipe is a healthier take on the classic fried eggplant dish. Slices of eggplant are coated in a mixture of almond flour, coconut flour, and Italian herbs, then baked until crispy and golden. The result is a gluten-free and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try this Italian eggplant salad. Slices of grilled eggplant are combined with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and arugula, then dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. The result is a fresh and flavorful salad that will complement the savory chicken perfectly.
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Italian Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Butter, Italian Sausage, Onion, Cloves
This hearty and flavorful casserole features a variety of Italian vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, all baked in a savory tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Medium Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes
This simple and comforting casserole is the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. Layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese are baked until bubbly and golden, creating a rich and satisfying dish that will be a hit with the whole family.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
This healthy and flavorful casserole is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. Slices of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are combined with quinoa, tomato sauce, and Italian herbs, then baked until tender and delicious. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
One of the most versatile and delicious vegetables in Italian cuisine is eggplant. Whether it's baked, fried, or grilled, eggplant is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. However, one of the most flavorful ways to prepare eggplant is by marinating it. In this article, we will share a tried and tested recipe for Italian marinated eggplant that will surely become a favorite in your household. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform this humble vegetable into a mouth-watering and versatile dish.
Why Marinating is the Key
When it comes to cooking eggplant, marinating is the key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Eggplant has a naturally bitter taste, but by marinating it, you can infuse it with delicious herbs and spices, making it more flavorful and tender. Marinating also helps to remove excess moisture from the eggplant, preventing it from becoming soggy while cooking. This technique is essential for Italian marinated eggplant, as it allows the flavors to penetrate the vegetable, creating a depth of flavor that can't be achieved through any other cooking method.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Eggplant
To ensure the success of this recipe, it is crucial to choose the right eggplant. Look for firm, shiny, and smooth eggplants with no bruises or blemishes. The size of the eggplant also matters; smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them more suitable for marinating. Additionally, opt for younger eggplants, as they have thinner skin and are less likely to have a bitter taste.
The Perfect Marinade
The marinade is what gives this dish its distinctive Italian flavor. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, oregano, and thyme), red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper. The vinegar helps to tenderize the eggplant, while the herbs and garlic infuse it with delicious flavors. The amount of each ingredient can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Preparing the Eggplant
After selecting and washing the eggplant, cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices and place them in a colander. Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This process helps to remove any excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant. Once the time is up, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Marinating and Cooking
Place the eggplant slices in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to coat each slice evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the eggplant slices for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
Enjoying the Italian Marinated Eggplant
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it as an appetizer with crostini or bruschetta, add it to a salad, or use it as a topping for your favorite pasta. Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used in sandwiches or as a side dish for other meals.
In conclusion, Italian marinated eggplant is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors and versatility, it's no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time in Italian cuisine. Give it a try and elevate your love for eggplant to a whole new level!
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