Eggplant

Did you know that eggplant is actually a BERRY? True story. Eggplant will always be sweetest the sooner you eat it, as it develops a natural bitterness as it ripens to deter predators.

STORAGE TIPS: If you’re going to use your eggplant within a day or two, store it in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight and away from other fruits and veggies. You can also store it in the fridge for 5-7 days, wrapped in a flour sack cloth or paper towel and in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer or a warm area in your fridge.

BABA GANOUSH
If you’re not a huge fan of eggplant, this recipe is for you. Not only is it fun to say but it’s also delicious. If you’ve never tried it, you must. You char the eggplant (this recipe uses 3 but you can scale it down based on what you’ve got) which gives it an amazing smoky flavor and then puree it with tahini, garlic and lemon juice. Eat it with pita chips, tortilla chips or, for even more veggie goodness, dip cut up carrots, celery, peppers or cukes in it.

BAKED “FRIED” EGGPLANT
Great on its own or layer it into an eggplant parm.

EGGPLANT FRIES
Crunchy on the outside and creamy and smooth on the inside. So good on their own or whip up some tomatillo salsa to dip them in!

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH MARINATED FETA
Another great dinner for a hot summer night!

GRILLED RATATOUILLE TARTINES
A great meal for a hot summer night (or lunch, or appetizer for your next big barbecue). Grilled eggplant, zucchini, scallions and bell peppers tossed with cherry tomatoes and an herby vinaigrette and served up on top of a slice of toast smeared with hummus or goat cheese.

JESS’S FAVORITE GRILLED EGGPLANT PASTA RECIPE
My favorite thing to do with eggplant is to slice it (3/4″ thick), brush it with some olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill it. When it’s got some good grill marks on it, I chop it up into big chunks and toss it with some pasta, your favorite sauce and some chunks of smoked mozzarella. Top with fresh basil (or parsley) if you’ve got some handy.

LOADED EGGPLANT WITH GARLICKY TAHINI SAUCE
Just like a loaded baked potato! Grilling over indirect heat leaves the skin crispy and the inside creamy and smooth.

THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN
SO GOOD!!! Fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and baked (not fried) eggplant. You won’t be sorry!

ZUCCHINI, EGGPLANT AND TOMATO GRATIN
A cheesy and delicious ratatouille-style gratin.