What to Do With Eggplant!

I used to be one of those people who looked at eggplant in the store and thought: "It's so pretty, shiny, and sexy....but what in the world would I do with it?" Well, since then, I can tell you: "Plenty!" Eggplant is now one of my most used and beloved veggie staples.

It's also one of those foods that has to be prepared correctly in order to be delicious and to have the right texture. Some of the mistakes many people make with eggplant are: Not cooking it long enough (undercooked eggplant = yuck!), using way too much oil, and not adding enough flavoring. Eggplant is like tofu - it's rather neutral and, if you listen closely, is begging quite persistently to be well flavored.

So, as I've also received requests for this lovely vegetable as part of my Fruits and Veggies month here on the RHIW blog, today is all about eggplant. Delectable, gorgeous, nutrient-packed eggplant!

What Do You Do With Eggplant?

1. Looking for a new addiction? These eggplant chips from Radiant Health, Inner Wealth are joneser. You'll want to eat the whole pan.

2. Cube eggplant (no need to peel) and saute in a large skillet with lots of fresh garlic, olive oil, and a little tamari. Stir-fry until very tender. So simple. SO good.

3. Slice eggplant very thinly and cut into strips. Marinate in beet juice, garlic, olive oil, tamari, and a little liquid smoke. From there, you can either "cook" in a food dehydrator or bake until crisp. And voila - eggplant bacon! Great with lettuce, tomato, and vegenaise on sprouted grain toast for an ELT sammy.

4. Cube eggplant and stir-fry with chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, coconut oil, onions, chickpeas, and your favorite Indian spice blend. When the eggplant is very tender, serve the curry over rice.

5. For easy peezy vegan eggplant parmesan: Slice thinly into rounds and dip in nondairy milk. Dredge in whole wheat pastry flour and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spray with olive oil and bake until golden brown. Top with organic pasta sauce, vegan cheese, and fresh basil. YUM.

Please tune in on Monday when the fruit or veggie of the day will be...