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silkej58
Guest
i have never cooked eggplant before---what does it mean by paring, do i have to peel it first? Thanks
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Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
Yes - peel your eggplant. Some don't peel them - but I always do - but the skins can taste bitter (the bitterness is just under the skin). The little Japanese eggplants I don't peel - I love those!!
Also many recipes call for salting the eggplant to leach out the water and bitterness - but I don't do that. When frying eggplant (even breaded) it will soak up the oil. For this reason I dip my eggplant slices in egg white to prevent that much oil from being absorbed. Then I dip in my coating. After coating you can place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to "dry" and prevent excess oil from being absorbed also.
If your recipe is for baking a whole eggplant, be sure to puncture the skin in several places so that is does not burst!
Also many recipes call for salting the eggplant to leach out the water and bitterness - but I don't do that. When frying eggplant (even breaded) it will soak up the oil. For this reason I dip my eggplant slices in egg white to prevent that much oil from being absorbed. Then I dip in my coating. After coating you can place them in the fridge for 30 minutes to "dry" and prevent excess oil from being absorbed also.
If your recipe is for baking a whole eggplant, be sure to puncture the skin in several places so that is does not burst!
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marymoomoo
Guest
I like to salt the eggplant slices just a little, then allow them to dry for about 20 minutes. This helps draw out some the water, which in turn helps the eggplant to fry up crisper. 
Soggy eggplant=blah.
Soggy eggplant=blah.
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simcooks
Guest
Egg plant with cheese
I have seen a recipe that calls for deep frying eggplant with cheese. Any recommendations for what type of cheese to use? The recipe I have did not specify.
I have seen a recipe that calls for deep frying eggplant with cheese. Any recommendations for what type of cheese to use? The recipe I have did not specify.
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honeypsweet
Guest
Can we see the recipe please. That would help us give you an answer.
Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
When I deep fry eggplant and I am using cheese it depends on how I want it fixed. Mozzarella, provolove, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Fontina or Fontinella are great used alone or any mixture combined for an Italian taste with a simple tomato or marinara sauce.
For more of a Greek flair I use Feta. I like that with a nice green salad, seving the cheese-topped eggplant on top (like a chicken caesar salad - only using eggplant in place of chicken).
For more of a Mexican flair I use MontereyJack, Pepper Jack or a combination of both. Serve with salsa.
A nice thick slice of eggplant deep fried with just about any type of cheese makes a nice eggplant burger served on a toasted roll.
I also deep fry eggplant "fingers" and wedges as well as slices.
For more of a Greek flair I use Feta. I like that with a nice green salad, seving the cheese-topped eggplant on top (like a chicken caesar salad - only using eggplant in place of chicken).
For more of a Mexican flair I use MontereyJack, Pepper Jack or a combination of both. Serve with salsa.
A nice thick slice of eggplant deep fried with just about any type of cheese makes a nice eggplant burger served on a toasted roll.
I also deep fry eggplant "fingers" and wedges as well as slices.
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simcooks
Guest
Here's what I have:
1. Slice eggplant into thick slices. Butterfly each slice.
2. In between each butterflied eggplant, put a piece of cheese.
3. Coat with flour and dip into whisked eggs. Coat with flour again.
4. Deep fry egg plants in hot oil.
Not sure if I can use American or swiss cheese for this?
And thanks Mama Mangia for the suggestions
Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
You're very welcomed. As far as your recipe goes - you can use any cheese you want and you can season your flour anyway you want.
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Twinmama
Guest
Can you grill eggplant slices?
Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
Grilled Eggplant
Eggplant
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Herbs of choice
Minced garlic
Salt
Pepper
Slice the eggplant into quarter inch slices lengthwise. Marinate in a baking
dish with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and your choice of herbs. Add minced
garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate for about an hour.
Grease and preheat grill.
Grill until soft and browned.
Serve warm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1/2-inch slices of eggplant can cook on the grill in 8 to 10 minutes over a medium direct heat.
a halved medium-sized eggplant can cook in 15 to 18 minutes on the grill.
Eggplant
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Herbs of choice
Minced garlic
Salt
Pepper
Slice the eggplant into quarter inch slices lengthwise. Marinate in a baking
dish with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and your choice of herbs. Add minced
garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate for about an hour.
Grease and preheat grill.
Grill until soft and browned.
Serve warm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1/2-inch slices of eggplant can cook on the grill in 8 to 10 minutes over a medium direct heat.
a halved medium-sized eggplant can cook in 15 to 18 minutes on the grill.
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Mrs. Chipotle
Guest
Grilled eggplant is yummy! I found some baby ones and made them last Valentines Day. They were very elegant looking.
I also salt mine before cooking to draw out the water. (Not when grilling over the grill, but when I use them in baked dishes such as eggplant parmesan.)
I also salt mine before cooking to draw out the water. (Not when grilling over the grill, but when I use them in baked dishes such as eggplant parmesan.)
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mtmomj
Guest
Everyone in my family loves eggplant parmesan. I have never personally made it, but I get it a lot when we go to a local Italian restaurant.
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ButtrflyDreams
Guest
Hmmm...I don't know if I've ever tried eggplant. I'll have to try some of the recipes in here & see if I like it. Thanks for all the recipes.
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Twinmama
Guest
Eggplant parm is SO good. It tasted nothing like I expected it would...but I mean that in a good way.
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lcsamano
Guest
I have never had eggplant but have heard that it is good either grilled or in eggplant parmasean. I will have to definetly true it since majority of the people here said it was good. Are there any like good herbs that you should use if you grill it.
Mama Mangia
Super Moderator
try marinating the eggplant in olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and parsley before grilling
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cookingmasterboi
Guest
Eggplant lasagna is wonderful, too, if you're one of those who fear pasta for their carbs.
Also, try steaming an eggplant, mashing the ends (keep the stalk intact), dipping it in egg (you can put bellpeppers or tomatoes or even some meat if you like!) and frying it. Simple yumminess right there!
Also, try steaming an eggplant, mashing the ends (keep the stalk intact), dipping it in egg (you can put bellpeppers or tomatoes or even some meat if you like!) and frying it. Simple yumminess right there!
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pinklife
Guest
Eggplants are ideal for side dishes. Simply steamed eggplants, those coated with egg and then fried.In addition, eggplants are good source of folate and potassium.FYI, the lighter the colour of the eggplant, the milder the flavour.