Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Sabzi of the Day - Exotic Eggplants: Recipes from Global Kitchens

Eggplant, aubergine, brinjal, or baigan is widely used in various parts of the world

Called brinjal or baigan in India, the purple vegetable has several other names, such as eggplant and aubergine, in various parts of the world. Given it is packed with nutrients such as fibre, protein, and several vitamins, eggplant must be consumed on a regular basis. However, in India, eggplants are mostly prepared following the traditional recipes and often get monotonous. Therefore, in this article, we have compiled some exotic eggplant recipes from various parts of the world.

Eggplant Parmesan

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • Eggplant cut in round shape
  • Canned or bottled marinara sauce
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Mozzarella
  • Almond milk
  • Salt
  • Gram flour (besan)
  • Parmesan
  • Olive oil

Recipe

  • In a bowl, mix parmesan, thyme, oregano, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, create a thick batter with besan.
  • Coat the round-shaped eggplant with a parmesan, thyme, oregano, and salt mix.
  • Dip it in the besan batter and coat it with parmesan, thyme, oregano, and salt; mix again.
  • Now, put one layer of eggplant in a tray and cover it with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
  • Create multiple layers and top the tray to the brim.
  • Drizzle olive oil on top and bake at 400 degrees Celsius until the eggplant becomes fork-tender.

Credit- Instagram/@skinnytaste

Mediterranean-Style Grilled Eggplant

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Sliced eggplant
  • Chopped coriander leaves
  • Grated garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Whipped feta cheese
  • Pita bread

Recipe

  • Start by slicing the eggplant and rubbing salt on the slice. Let them release the water so that they become dry.
  • In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, chopped coriander leaves, grated garlic, and salt.
  • Now, on a grill, start grilling the eggplant. Make sure the eggplant is coated with olive oil on both sides.
  • Grill until the slices become soft but not too mushy, or else they will break and fall apart.
  • Once grilled, lay the slices on a plate and garnish them with the mix of olive oil, chopped coriander leaves, grated garlic, and salt.
  • Serve with whipped feta cheese and baked pita bread.

Credit- Instagram/@cookit_with_lamees

Sautéed Eggplant with Garlic and Parmesan

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • Cubed eggplant
  • Grated garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley
  • Chopped basil
  • Chopped chives
  • Kosher salt
  • Red pepper flakes

Recipe

  • Start by heating olive oil in a pan.
  • Toss the eggplant and grated garlic and keep sautéing them.
  • Once done, turn off the gas.
  • Sprinkle a good amount of parsley, basil, chives, pepper flakes, and salt on it—give it a good mix.
  • Finally, add a generous amount of parmesan and give another mix.
  • Your cheesy sautéed eggplant with garlic and parmesan is ready.

Credit- Instagram/@ruhamasfood

NasuDengaku (Fiery Miso-Glazed Eggplant)

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Sliced eggplant
  • Vegetable oil
  • Miso paste (readily available in markets)
  • Sugar
  • Mirin and sake (both are fermented rice wines)
  • Sesame seeds

Recipe

  • Begin by baking the sliced eggplant in an oven. Bake till they become slightly charred and take them out.
  • In a bowl, prepare a mix of miso paste, sugar, mirin, sake, and sesame seeds.
  • Cover both sides of the baked eggplant with the paste and drizzle a little bit of vegetable oil on top.
  • Put them back in the oven and broil for five minutes.

Credit- Instagram/@cookingwiththehamster

Do make these recipes at home and surprise the taste buds of your loved one. Your friends and family members would be amazed by how unique eggplants could taste, way different than how they are usually cooked in our country.