In preparing for our Eggplant Extravaganza podcast, we asked Chef Orr to send over a few of his other favorite eggplant recipes, and here are a few more you can try:
Broiled Miso and Honey Eggplant
This recipe is also good served cold and may be used as a base for fish or meat.
Ingredients:
4 medium eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch rounds1/4 cup soy3/4 cup sake1/4 cup mirin1/4 cup honey3 tablespoons miso1 teaspoon Regime Blend (see below)1 teaspoon Aux Poivres (see below)Knife's point cayenneDirections:
Saute eggplant until tender. Season. Cool until needed.Bring remaining ingredients to a boil and reduce to a glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning.Brush with the glaze and broil until well caramelized and turn. Caramelize the other side and serve with a squeeze of lemon.New Regime Spice Blend
3 tablespoons coriander seed2 pieces star anise1 tablespoons fennel seed2 teaspoons mustard seeds1 teaspoon cumin seeds1 teaspoon ginger powder1 stick cinnamon (1/2")1 teaspoon black peppercorns1 teaspoon white peppercorns3 bay leaves, dried1/2 teaspoon whole maceGrind in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Aux Poivres Spice Blend
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper2 tablespoons cracked white pepper2 tablespoons Chinese Szechuan pepper3 tablespoons fennel seeds4 tablespoons coriander seeds2 tablespoon guinea pepper1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakesCoarsely crack all the peppercorns and spices separately and combine with the red pepper flakes. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Eggplant Coconut Curry
This curry is excellent when served with baked fish. Recipe yields 6 portions.
Ingredients:
3 small, locally grown eggplants, cut into finger-sized pieces2 cups whole wheat flour2 teaspoons salt1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper2 teaspoons Mellow Yellow Spice Blend (see below)½ cup olive oil, for frying1 1/2 bell pepper, roughly chopped1 spanish onion, sliced½ cup fresh coconut meat, diced4 garlic cloves, sliced1 tablespoon ginger, minced1 ½ cups coconut milk1 lime, juicedfresh assorted herbs such as cilantro, scallion, and thai basil, for garnish.Directions:
Soak eggplant slices in salt water (1/2 cup salt to 2 cup water) for 15 minutes.Meanwhile, prepare your flour: Mix flour, salt, pepper, and Mellow Yellow.Drain eggplant and squeeze out excess water in a towel.Dredge eggplant in the seasoned flour.Heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add olive oil.When oil is hot, add eggplant in an even layer.Once eggplant is nicely browned on both sides, add peppers, onion, coconut, garlic, and ginger.Cook until vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.Add coconut milk and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.Remove from heat, add lime juice, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs.Mellow Yellow Spice Blend
1 teaspoon mustard seeds1 teaspoon cardamom seeds1 teaspoon fennel seeds1 teaspoon ground ginger1 tablespoon turmeric1 teaspoon coriander seeds1 teaspoon white pepper1 teaspoon orange peel, dried2 ea. bird peppers, dried, or small hot chilies (or to taste)Place ingredients in a spice grinder and blend until they form a fine, consistent powder. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Grilled Eggplant, Prosciutto & Mozzarella, Basil
Yield: 1 portion
Ingredients:
3 thin slices globe eggplant, (about 1 ounce)3 mozzarella pieces, but into thick batons (about 2½ ounces total)3 Basil leaves½ ounce prosciutto, sliced paper thin½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil½ ounce mesclun2-3 Grape tomatoes, cut in half½ teaspoon basil vinaigrette (recipe below)opal basil leaves/sprig for garnishkosher salt and black pepperDirections:
Arrange first 7 ingredients on a plateTop with basil vinaigretteGarnish with fresh herbs; top with kosher salt and fresh ground pepperBasil Vinaigrette
Yield: 1 quart
Ingredients:
2 bunches basil, leaves only1 quart basic vinaigretteDirections:
Blanch the basil for five seconds in boiling, salted water. Quickly shock in ice water.Squeeze the water from the basil and place in a blender.Add the basic vinaigrette and puree until smooth and bright green in color.Your Eggplant Recipes
Have any recipes you'd like to share? Leave a comment or drop us an e-mail at eartheats @ gmail.com