18 Recipe For Italian Pickled Eggplant Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Pickled eggplant is a staple in Italian cuisine, adding a burst of tangy flavor to any dish. This simple and traditional recipe has been passed down for generations, and is a must-try for any food lover. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a great way to preserve eggplant for use throughout the year. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making authentic Italian pickled eggplant.
Experience the flavors of Italy with this tangy and delicious pickled eggplant recipe. Perfect for topping sandwiches, serving as a side dish, or adding to an antipasto platter, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Italian-Style Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
Fire up the grill and get ready to make this mouthwatering Italian-style grilled eggplant. The eggplant is marinated in a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve as a side dish or use it as a topping for pizzas or sandwiches.
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Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Celery, Bulb Fennel
This classic Italian dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Eggplant is combined with tomatoes, olives, capers, and other ingredients to create a delicious and versatile dish. Serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread or use it as a topping for pasta or crostini.
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Italian Sausages with Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Zucchini, Eggplant
Bold flavors come together in this hearty and satisfying dish. Italian sausages are cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with a side of ratatouille, a traditional Italian vegetable stew. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests.
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Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
Grilling eggplant brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor. This recipe uses a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs to enhance the flavor of the eggplant. Serve it as a side dish or use it in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.
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Simple Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
This traditional Italian dish is simple yet delicious. Thinly sliced eggplant is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried until crispy and golden. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for pizza.
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Italian Layered Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Medium Zucchini, Chopped Parsley, Onion
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a great way to use up all your leftover vegetables. Layers of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are baked with a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein.
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Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This comforting and delicious dish is a twist on the classic lasagna. Thin slices of eggplant are layered with a rich ricotta cheese and tomato sauce mixture, then topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly. Perfect for a family dinner or for sharing with friends.
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Eggplant Cacciatore
Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Olive Oil, Penne Pasta, Cremini
This hearty and satisfying dish is a perfect weeknight meal. Tender pieces of eggplant are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
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Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this Italian-inspired version. Grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, and melty mozzarella cheese are sandwiched between two slices of crusty bread and grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal.
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Eggplant Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Fresh Ground Black
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, this eggplant lasagna is a must-try. Thin slices of eggplant are used in place of pasta and layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta cheese. Serve it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Simple Moist Italian Fried Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Canola, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt
Get ready to make the most delicious and moist fried eggplant ever. This recipe uses a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk to coat the eggplant before frying. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for pizza.
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Paleo Italian Breaded Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Large Egg, Arrowroot Flour, Sea Salt, Ground
If you're following a paleo diet, this breaded eggplant recipe is a must-try. Instead of using breadcrumbs, this recipe uses almond flour and Italian seasoning to create a crispy and flavorful coating for the eggplant. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and healthy snack.
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Italian Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Butter, Italian Sausage, Onion, Cloves
This hearty and flavorful casserole is loaded with all your favorite Italian vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with a side of pasta or crusty bread.
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Italian Quinoa Casserole
Main Ingredients: Quinoa, Olive Oil, Vegetable Stock, Eggplant, Coarse
This healthy and delicious casserole is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and veggies. Quinoa, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with a blend of cheeses. Serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein.
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Eggplant Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Medium Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes
This simple yet tasty casserole is a great way to use up any leftover eggplant. Sliced eggplant is layered with a mixture of eggs, milk, cheese, and herbs and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with a side of salad or crusty bread.
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Italian-style Antipasto
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Red Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes
No Italian meal is complete without a delicious antipasto platter. This recipe uses a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables to create a flavorful and colorful appetizer. Serve it with crusty bread for an authentic Italian experience.
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Italian Ratatouille
Main Ingredients: Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Zucchini, Yellow Squash
This classic French vegetable stew gets an Italian twist in this delicious recipe. Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and seasonings. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a topping for pasta or crostini.
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Eggplant Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Egg
This classic Italian dish is a favorite for a reason. Thin slices of eggplant are coated in breadcrumbs, fried until crispy, and then baked with a rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve it with a side of pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Chicken Sorrentino
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
This delicious and elegant dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with eggplant, prosciutto, and fontina cheese, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Serve it with a side of pasta or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Fresh Eggplant
The key ingredient in this recipe is, of course, fresh eggplant. Look for firm and glossy eggplants at your local market, as they will have the best texture and flavor. Choose eggplants that are on the smaller side, as they tend to have fewer seeds and are less bitter.
White Wine Vinegar
White wine vinegar is a staple in Italian cooking, and it adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the pickled eggplant. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer a more tart taste.
Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh herbs to the pickling liquid gives the eggplant a fragrant and flavorful boost. Traditional Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil work well in this recipe.
Garlic and Chili Flakes
Garlic and chili flakes add a bit of heat and depth to the pickled eggplant. Adjust the amount to your liking, but be sure to include them for an authentic Italian flavor.
Sea Salt
The final ingredient in this recipe is sea salt, which not only adds flavor but also helps to draw out any excess moisture from the eggplant.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Begin by washing and drying the eggplant. Peel off the skin and cut the eggplant into 1/4 inch slices. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle with sea salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Liquid
In a large saucepan, combine white wine vinegar, water, fresh herbs, garlic, chili flakes, and sea salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggplant
Gently add the eggplant slices to the pickling liquid, making sure they are completely submerged. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften.
Step 4: Jar and Store
Using tongs, carefully remove the eggplant slices from the pickling liquid and place them in clean, sterilized jars. Pour the pickling liquid over the eggplant, making sure they are completely covered. Seal the jars and let them cool before storing in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before consuming.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pickled Eggplant
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade Italian pickled eggplant anytime. Serve it as a side dish, chop it up and add it to salads, or use it as a topping for sandwiches or pizzas. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you for trying this traditional Italian delicacy. Buon appetito!