Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a large, purple (though other colors exist) fruit that is typically eaten as a vegetable. It's a member of the nightshade family, *Solanum melongena*. The eggplant has a spongy, absorbent texture and a slightly bitter flavor when raw. It is often used in a wide variety of cuisines around the world, particularly in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes, known to take on flavors through various methods of cooking like frying, baking, grilling, or stewing. Its versatility stems from its ability to blend easily with a large range of ingredients and cooking styles. The dark purple skin provides a striking visual element to dishes, and the flesh can have a creamy texture when cooked properly.
Eggplant meaning with examples
- My grandmother's secret to the perfect eggplant parmesan starts with salting the eggplant slices to draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness. She then dips them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before frying them to golden perfection. The tender, flavorful eggplant layers are then assembled with rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese. The result is a dish so delectable and comforting, it's always a family favorite, best served hot from the oven.
- For a quick and healthy meal, I often grill eggplant. I slice the eggplant, brush it with olive oil, season it with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano and thyme. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant adds a fantastic depth to the dish, and it’s a great alternative to meat in a summer barbecue. Often, I’ll accompany the eggplant with grilled vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
- Baba ghanoush, a Middle Eastern dip, features roasted eggplant as its core ingredient. The eggplant is charred over an open flame or in the oven until its flesh is soft and smoky. After the eggplant is cooled, the flesh is mashed and combined with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Served with pita bread, baba ghanoush is a wonderful appetizer, providing an earthy and savory taste that's both refreshing and delicious.
- Many vegetarian moussaka recipes substitute lentils or potatoes, but the original version uses eggplant as the primary ingredient. Layers of thinly sliced eggplant are baked with a spiced meat sauce (often lamb or beef), a béchamel sauce, and other aromatics. The dish is a culinary symphony of textures and flavors, making for a hearty and fulfilling entree.
- Stuffed eggplant is a versatile dish that can be adapted to many flavors. The eggplant is typically cut lengthwise, the flesh is scooped out, and then the cavity is filled with a mixture of cooked rice, vegetables, and meat or a vegan alternative. It's then baked until tender, and the eggplant skin is a beautiful and satisfying element. The cooking time, spices and the filling are the key aspects that differentiate the variety of filled eggplant dishes.
Eggplant Crossword Answers
4 Letters
PARM
7 Letters
BRINJAL
8 Letters
MADAPPLE
9 Letters
AUBERGINE GARDENEGG VEGETABLE
12 Letters
EGGPLANTBUSH
16 Letters
SOLANUMMELONGENA