Eggplant

[vinodkumar]

love ordering eggplant at restaurants but when I try to cook it at home, it always turns out mushy and I like my fresh veggies crisp tender. Does anyone have tips on how to prepare eggplant, besides eggplant parmesan? Is it necessary to peel the eggplant? I know a lot of nutrients are usually in vegetable peelings. Thanks a lot, and Merry Christmas everyone

[Lorraine]

I found a realy good link to the preparation of eggplant (aubergine) - see below.
Personally, I always slice and salt the slices, and allow then to sit on a paper towel. This draws the water out before I cook them.

Hope this link helps - http://www.showcook.com/aubergine.htm

[Dexterdoglancashire]

What an excellent link! Lots of useful advice and tips! I must admit if I'm not sure about something (which, coz I consider myself to be quite a good cook, doesnt happen often!! ) I always refer to Delia.

Delia says that because they contain a lot of water they need to be sliced and sprinkled with salt to draw the excess water out. Put the slices in a colander, put a plate on top and weight it down and leave for half an hour, then use the aubergine slices after drying with a cloth. Dont add salt when you are cooking them tho!

Dexterdog

[Biscombe]

We grill thick slices of aubergine then smother with homemade pesto, top with cheese and gril again, yummy!! Growing white aubergines for the first time this year, anyone out there tried them?

[Dexterdoglancashire]

Cheated a bit yesterday and bought a plant from B&Q. Its now planted on the lottie, so fingers crossed it grows. Have never actually eaten it before, so looking forward to eating my results. Dexterdog

[Lorraine]

Cheating Bernie !!! Mind you, the couple of plants I grew from seed are not doing very well. I think it's just too cold for them outdoors. They may pick up yet - or it's off to B&Q I go. (I wish I had a greenhouse).

[Tussiemussie]

Lorraine, I bought a cheap polytunnel in Liddles the other day 40 something quid, measured 6ft x4ft x5.4ft. A lot cheaper than most greenhouses.

[Lorraine]

Thanks Tussie - but I just don't have the room. My garden is really small (we're renting!) But when we buy next year, I'll make sure I have enough of a garden to feed us all year round. That's the plan !