Food Network Kitchens Q:
Are there ways to prepare eggplant other than frying it?A:
Yes, of course!An eggplant's inner flesh is pretty mild, with a hint of bitterness.
The skin is also edible, but can be a bit tough and very bitter.
To remove some of the bitterness, you can salt cut pieces or slices and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes (be sure to rinse well before cooking).
Some eggplants are much more bitter than others, perhaps a sign that they're old.
You can bake, boil, roast, pickle or fry eggplant pieces.
Their meaty texture works great in pasta dishes, casseroles and stuffed peppers.
Add diced cubes to stir-fry and grill thick slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for sandwiches.
For eggplant parm, bread and bake the eggplant instead of frying -- this slashes the calories and fat by almost half.
Add roast diced eggplant to chunks of onion, pepper and garlic and throw it all in a food processor.
Puree for a sweet and savory eggplant spread, which you can use on sandwiches, wraps and dipping veggies and pita chips.
Courtesy Dana Angelo White of Healthy Eats on foodnetwork.com
(For more information, visit www.foodnetwork.com or write Ask Food Network c/o Viewer Services Culinary Department, Scripps Networks, PO Box 50970, Knoxville, TN 37950.)
