Aubergines preserved in oil

Despite the passage of time and the passing of summer, with a little inventiveness, creativity and care in choosing the right ingredients, you can make something special to eat out of season: for example, aubergine preserved in olive oil. On the face of it, it might seem a complex recipe, the preparation of which takes time and skill: in fact, you don’t need to worry about anything except finding the right jars and the best aubergines, and in no time you will be able to keep something special and tasty with which to brighten the short winter days. With this lovely recipe for aubergine preserved in olive oil you will always have a little slice of summer in your pantry - even at times when your imagination fails you. Are you ready to make aubergines preserved in oil for autumn and winter, ready to put a smile on the faces of those who come to dinner?

Wash the aubergine and cut into slices about 1/2 cm thick, sprinkle with plenty of salt and let the aubergine rest overnight to drain it of any bitterness. The next day, pat the aubergine dry, add the wine and wine vinegar to a saucepan and bring to the boil, then cook the aubergine in this mixture for 3-4 minutes. Drain the aubergine and let them dry for 2 hours. Arrange the aubergine in glass jars, alternating chopped garlic, oregano and mint with layers of aubergine. Cover with olive oil and screw on the lid. After three days, reopen the jars and add more oil because the aubergine will have absorbed a little. You can start to eat them after a month, but better to leave them till winter!

How long can you store pickled eggplants?

The shelf life of pickled eggplants depends on various factors, including the type of canning and storage conditions. Generally, pickled eggplants can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks before they spoil. It's advisable to regularly check the pickled eggplants and discard them if they show signs of spoilage.

How healthy are eggplants?

Eggplants are a healthy vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and a good source of nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and B vitamins. Additionally, eggplants contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to heart health.

Why salt eggplants?

Salting eggplants is often recommended to eliminate bitterness and improve their texture. Salting partially dehydrates the eggplant cells, helping to reduce bitterness. This process also removes excess moisture from the eggplants, which can cause them to absorb less oil during cooking.

How long can you eat eggplants?

Always check the freshness of eggplants before consuming them. Generally, eggplants can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days before they start to deteriorate. However, if stored properly, eggplants can be edible for up to a week. It's important to inspect them regularly and discard them if they show signs of spoilage to avoid potential health risks.

Various pickled eggplant recipes from around the world

Eggplants are an extremely versatile vegetable appreciated in many cuisines worldwide. A popular way to preserve eggplants and maintain their delicious taste is by pickling them in oil or vinegar. This article presents various pickled eggplant recipes from different countries.

Pickled eggplants in a jar

A simple yet delicious recipe involves pickling eggplants in a jar. To do this, eggplants are sliced and layered in jars. A mixture of vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices is heated and poured over the eggplants. Once the jars are sealed, the pickled eggplants can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Grilled eggplants preserved in oil

This recipe is ideal for grilled eggplant lovers. The eggplants are first grilled until tender and aromatic. They are then layered in jars and covered with olive oil. Garlic, herbs, and spices give the pickled eggplants additional flavor.

Greek-style pickled eggplants

Greek cuisine also offers a delicious version of pickled eggplants. In this recipe, eggplants are sliced and sprinkled with salt to remove bitter substances. They are then marinated in vinegar and enhanced with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. These pickled eggplants are ideal as an appetizer or side dish to other Mediterranean dishes.

Sicilian-style pickled eggplants

Sicilian cuisine is known for its intense aromas and diverse flavors. When pickling eggplants Sicilian-style, the eggplants are first thinly sliced and fried. They are then layered in jars and covered with a mixture of vinegar, tomato sauce, olive oil, and herbs. This gives the pickled eggplants a distinctive taste.

Arab-style pickled eggplants

In Arab cuisine, pickled eggplants are often served as mezze, a selection of small dishes enjoyed before the main course. Typically, eggplants are thinly sliced and sprinkled with salt to remove bitter substances. They are then marinated in vinegar and seasoned with cumin, coriander, and other spices.

Recipes for preserving eggplants

The variety of recipes for preserving eggplants is impressive. In addition to the methods already mentioned, there are many other ways to prepare pickled eggplants. For example, some use a combination of oil, vinegar, and herbs, while others rely on tomato sauce or yogurt. The choice of ingredients and spices often depends on regional cuisine and personal preferences.

Overall, pickled eggplants offer a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of this versatile vegetable year-round. With various recipes from different countries, you can discover new tastes and enrich your meals with more flavorful variations. Just try one of these recipes and be enchanted by the unique taste of pickled eggplants!