What is even worse is that I've packed up most of my cookbooks because my kitchen is about to be remodeled - ARGGGGH!
My favorite quick way to deal with eggplant is to grill it along with zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms and make a smoky ratatouille. Yum. Thinking about the last time I cooked it and totally rocked it out with a bit of chipotle pepper. To quote Emeril "Oh yeah, babe." Try it, you won't be disappointed.
My next favorite way is in one of many Indian styles - I'm a sucker for cumin and coriander. Here's a strictly informal recipe:
Spice is a matter of taste - use with discretion, but whip it up when necessary!
Mix the following in a small bowl (about a teaspoon each) and set aside:
- Cumin
- White pepper
- Garam Masala
- Tumeric
- Cayenne pepper (what's life without a little spice?)
Heat olive oil hot, but do not burn ( I use my wok or deep cast iron pan)
Cooking very quickly:
Throw in cumin seeds and toast quickly,
Add a bit of crushed coriander (just to make breathing unbearable)
Cool it down with a little fresh minced ginger, chopped onions
Add minced garlic, chopped and seeded tomato
Add half of your spice mixture (just in case you made too much)
Simmer and Stir - this shouldn't last over 2 to 3 minutes.
Add in the eggplant
Cook until tender about 10 minutes,
add more of the spice mixture if you dare
Throw in a bit of chopped fresh cilantro (if it doesn't make you gag)
and salt to taste.
In case you are struggling with measurements (something I just refuse to do), here are my veggie ratios for this recipe-like-thingy: 1 huge, mammoth eggplant (or 2 medium or 3 to 4 small) to 1 large, ripe tomato to 1 medium red onion to 2 cloves garlic to a half inch of ginger. Yup! That's just about right.
Wait a minute - this is so good I could eat this daily with a bit of brown basmati rice, bhindi masala (just wait for the best okra harvest) and garlic naan.
Do you have any quick and yummy eggplant recipes? Got a link to a chef with the best? Leave a comment and don't forget to make extra 'cause you know I'm dropping by!
Bring on the Bhurta!
1 comment:
Beautiful idea! This is a great fusion-style ratatouille. You can also make a super easy babaghanoush with roasted eggplants. No doubt, you can flavor it with other roasted veggies to make a really rich spread.
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