Much like their tomato plant cousins, eggplants are at the center of a very important argue: Are they fruit, or are they vegetables? Though they're often mistaken equally the latter, eggplants are actually berries and function of the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes and potatoes. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean you tin can't treat them similar veggies—they can exist made into a spread or mixed with pasta or turned into fries—and their versatility makes them the perfect go-to ingredient.
But in that location's more to life than the big purple ones you lot're familiar with: Meet the Chinese eggplant.
What is a Chinese eggplant?
Chinese eggplants are long and sparse with vibrant lavender skin and white flesh, and tin announced either crooked or directly. They taste mildly sweet and hold up when cooked.
What other types of eggplant are at that place?
When you lot come across the word "eggplant," that's usually referring to the big varieties most oftentimes plant in grocery stores, which are chosen globes. They're hefty, have little green caps, and tend to be more biting, meaty and flavorful.
There are many other varieties of eggplant, also—graffiti, Indian, Japanese and Italian, to proper noun a few. While each is delicious in its ain right, unique properties make a certain type all-time suited for certain dishes.
What'southward the difference between eggplant and Chinese eggplant?
Chinese eggplants have fewer seeds than globes, which reduces their bitterness. And they have a thin skin. While they can be substituted for each other, globes may be less sweet, influencing the consequence of the final dish.
How do you pick the best Chinese eggplant?
Picking Chinese eggplant is the fine art of picking whatever eggplant. Await for ones that are house and have shiny peel, and avoid any blemishes or soft spots. This means that they'll exist immature, tender and full of flavor.
Do you demand to table salt Chinese eggplant?
Nope! Because they take fewer seeds, Chinese eggplants are less bitter than globes and exercise not need to exist salted. Common salt is used to draw out bitterness, but this diversity is naturally sweet. In fact, if an eggplant is picked fresh, it most likely doesn't demand salt, no affair the variety.
How to Melt Chinese Eggplant
What can't you do with Chinese eggplant? They shine in stir chips, equally pickles or braised. Try them in this recipe, from North Carolina reader Allyson Meyler. Information technology calls for conventional eggplant, but the Chinese eggplant's inherent sweetness will be accentuated by the lime juice and sesame, letting the spices shine. It makes six tasty servings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root or 1/four teaspoon footing ginger
- 1/ii teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium eggplant (1-1/iv pounds) cut lengthwise into ane/2-inch slices
- 2 teaspoons beloved
- 1/viii teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Thinly sliced light-green onion and sesame seeds
Step 1: Get grillin'
In a small bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients until blended. Then, castor 2 tablespoons of the juice mixture over both sides of the eggplant slices. Grill, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side, or until tender.
Pace 2: Add a garnish
Transfer eggplant to a serving plate. Stir dear and pepper flakes into the remaining juice mixture and drizzle information technology over the eggplant. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds.
Need more eggplant in your life? These recipes are a good identify to first.
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
This side goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thank you to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Competition-Winning Eggplant Parmesan
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it's much healthier than other parmesans! The prep fourth dimension is a piddling longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
Classic Ratatouille
This rich and flavorful ratatouille is the perfect salute to the harvest. Hearty and full of veggies, it fills the kitchen with the comforting scent of thyme, onions and garlic. —Diane Trester, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Mediterranean Chicken in Eggplant Sauce
Spice-coated chicken thighs simmer in a rich red pepper-eggplant sauce. This savory entree is perfect for an everyday meal or potluck. It's an easy tedious-cooker dish to prepare in the morning so that dinner is ready at the cease of the solar day.—Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a well-baked cracker or toasted breadstuff slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
We love eggplant Parmesan, merely when it's hot exterior, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Bailiwick of jersey
Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Cilantro Pesto
I first ate this sandwich while vacationing in Sedona, Arizona, and fell in love with it. When I returned home, I developed this one that tastes merely like the original. —Carolyn Phenicie, Titusville, Pennsylvania
Eggplant Flatbread Pizzas
I'm at present a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Fri nights as a abode cook. We similar to milkshake pizza upward with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Eggplant Sausage Casserole
If you want your kids to happily swallow their eggplant, serve it in this lovely layered casserole. Our whole family enjoys it. Ever a popular potluck item, it's a great visitor dish, also. —Ballad Mieske, Red Barefaced, California
Ragin' Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet
We always accept a big summertime garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That'due south when nosotros harvest our onion, bell pepper, tomatoes and eggplant, the main ingredient of this dish. This recipe turns Cajun with the Holy Trinity (onion, celery and bell pepper), shrimp and ruddy pepper flakes. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
Lime and Sesame Grilled Eggplant
When I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings accept an Asian theme, but the dish nevertheless makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Makeover Eggplant Parmesan
Hither's a healthy version of a restaurant archetype that yous can hands make at home. Our recipe has 300 fewer calories and half the fat and sodium of typical eggplant Parmesan. —Sense of taste of Habitation Test Kitchen
Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches
Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...information technology makes a succulent meatless repast. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California
Eggplant Chips
My kids dearest this snack—and I like that it'southward healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these veggie sticks are broiled, not fried, and so there's no guilt when y'all crunch into them. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California
Eggplant & Zucchini Rollatini
Someone at the table is spring to praise your rollatini dish, and then enquire what the heck it is. Your unproblematic answer: thin slices of eggplant that are lightly breaded and fried, covered with cheeses, rolled upwardly, topped with tangy tomato plant sauce and broiled. —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Wearisome-Cooked Ratatouille
I get my son to eat eggplant past cooking it low and slow in this classic French veggie dish. A side of rice and garlic cheese staff of life besides help. —Diane Goedde, Red Lodge, Montana
Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo
As a child, I wouldn't eat veggies. As a parent, I attempt to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a striking with my son. —Macey Allen, Greenish Forest, Arkansas
Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Mediterranean Eggplant Dip
I love Mediterranean food, and the flavors in this dip are so vibrant. We make our own mini sandwiches once this platter is complete. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Napoleons
Vegetarian or not, your guests will bask this meatless entree at your next summer soiree. —Joan Meyer, New York, New York
Grilled Eggplant with Feta savour
I created this impressive lite side dish for my vegetarian friends. It's easy, fast and a standout recipe for company. —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, Northward Dakota
Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas
We grow eggplants and love to employ them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the chaff, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest office! —Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama
The All-time Eggplant Parmesan
Truly delicious! I dearest eggplant and have many recipes, but this one's my favorite. The cheeses and seasonings make this dish unforgettable. —Dottie Kilpatrick, Wilmington, North Carolina
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