Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that is enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike all over the world. With its unique flavor profile and ability to absorb the flavors of other ingredients, aubergine is a popular choice for a variety of dishes.
What is Aubergine?
Aubergine is a vegetable from the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, okra, and zucchini. It grows in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and thrives in hot climates and during the summer months. The most common varieties found in the United States are globe and Italian eggplant, which have glossy purplish-black skin and a thick stem cap.
Japanese or Chinese eggplant is another popular variety, known for its elongated shape and thin skin. There are also red- or purple-striped varieties, which have a milder flavor and unique striated patterns. Heirloom varietals like fairytale, black beauty, little finger, and rosita eggplant can also be found in specialty markets and restaurants.
How to Cook Aubergine
There are many ways to cook aubergine, depending on the desired flavor and texture. Some recipes call for salting the eggplant's flesh to draw out moisture and soften it before cooking. This step is particularly common in older recipes, as modern varieties of eggplant are less bitter and do not require salting. However, salting can still be done to firm up the flesh and reduce the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.
Popular cooking methods for aubergine include grilling, frying, roasting, braising, and baking. Grilled aubergine slices can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish. Fried or roasted aubergine can be blended into dips or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Aubergine can also be marinated, pickled, sautéed, stir-fried, or added to curries and casseroles.
One unique cooking technique for aubergine is smoking. Smoking aubergine gives it a delicious smoky flavor and tender texture. It can be done using a gas grill by placing the aubergine directly on the grates and cooking it on low heat until it is soft and charred. Alternatively, a stovetop smoker or a charcoal grill can be used for smoking aubergine.
What Does Aubergine Taste Like?
Aubergine has a tender, mild, and slightly sweet flavor with a slight vegetal bitterness. It has a firm and spongy texture when raw, but becomes meltingly tender when cooked. The flavor of aubergine is enhanced when it is cooked with other ingredients, as it absorbs their flavors.
The taste of aubergine can vary slightly depending on the variety and ripeness. Smaller aubergines tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger ones may have a slightly bitter taste. When selecting an aubergine, look for ones with a firm texture and avoid those with wrinkled or discolored skin, as they may be overripe.
Aubergine Recipes
Aubergine can be used in a wide range of recipes, from traditional Mediterranean dishes like ratatouille and moussaka to Asian-inspired stir-fries and curries. It can also be blended into dips like baba ghanoush or used as a topping for pizzas and pasta dishes.
Here are a few delicious aubergine recipes to try:
- Grilled Aubergine Sandwich: Slice the aubergine and grill until tender. Serve on toasted bread with your favorite toppings and condiments.
- Roasted Aubergine Dip: Roast the aubergine until soft and charred. Scoop out the flesh and blend with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil until smooth. Serve with pita bread or vegetable crudités.
- Spicy Aubergine Stir-Fry: Slice the aubergine and stir-fry with garlic, ginger, chili, and your choice of vegetables and protein. Serve over rice or noodles.
- Aubergine Parmigiana: Layer sliced aubergine with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Where to Buy and Store Aubergine
Aubergine can be found in most supermarkets, particularly globe and Italian varieties. Asian and international grocers may carry a wider variety of aubergines, including Japanese or Chinese eggplant. Farmers markets are also a great place to find uncommon and heirloom varieties of aubergine.
When storing aubergine, it is best to keep it cool but not cold. The refrigerator can cause soft spots to form, so a cool, dark cupboard is a better option. Aubergine is perishable and should be used as soon as possible after purchase. Cooked aubergine can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for up to six months.
How do you smoke aubergine without gas?
To smoke aubergine without gas, you can use a stovetop smoker or a charcoal grill. Simply place the aubergine directly on the smoker or grill, and cook it on low heat until it is soft and charred.
What does aubergine taste like?
Aubergine has a tender, mild, and slightly sweet flavor with a slight vegetal bitterness. It absorbs the flavors of other ingredients when cooked with them.
Do you need to soak aubergine before roasting?
Soaking aubergine before roasting is not necessary, unless you want to reduce the bitterness or firm up the flesh. Salting the aubergine can help remove excess moisture and reduce the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.
Aubergine, or eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. From grilling and frying to roasting and smoking, aubergine offers endless possibilities for delicious and flavorful dishes. Its unique flavor profile and ability to absorb the flavors of other ingredients make it a popular choice for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. So next time you're looking for a new vegetable to try, give smoked aubergine a go and discover its delicious taste and texture.
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