Catalan aubergines, also known as eggplants, are a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. With their mild flavor and soft texture, they are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer to grill, fry, or bake, there is a Catalan aubergine recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. From classic dishes like Escalivada, a roasted vegetable dish, to creative takes like Aubergine Parmigiana, a layered eggplant and cheese dish, the possibilities of Catalan aubergine recipes are endless.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CATALAN AUBERGINES/EGGPLANTS
Similar to ratatouille, but different. :-) The paprika makes it different; using smoked paprika makes it extra-special!
Provided by BarbryT
Categories Vegetable
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Prepare the eggplants/aubergines by peeling them and cutting into cubes (about 1-inch).
- Heat the oil in a frying pan add the cubes and sauté for a few minutes
- Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic and paprika to the eggplant/aubergine in the frying pan and fry over a low heat for a further 5 mins
- Add the chopped tomatoes; season with salt and pepper
- Cover the frying pan and cook for a further 15 minutes (checking that the eggplant/ aubergine is well cooked and tender).
- Place in a serving dish and garnish with a chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.5, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 2, Sodium 10.1, Carbohydrate 21.6, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 9.3, Protein 3.7
CATALAN STUFFED AUBERGINES (EGGPLANT)
This subtly flavoured dish is from Catalonia; an historic country in southern Europe. Geographically it's the North West corner of Spain and a sliver of neighbouring France. Barcelona is the capital city.
Provided by Mrs B
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 200C, 400F, gas mark 6; lightly oil a shallow ovenproof dish large enough to hold the aubergine halves.
- Fry the onion and garlic gently in half the butter, until translucent; meanwhile, scoop out the aubergine flesh taking care to leave the shells intact.
- Chop the flesh into small dice and mix with the onion, garlic, hard-boiled eggs, breadcrumbs and parsley; season to taste.
- Pile this mixture into the aubergine skins (it helps to press down the first few spoonfuls for each shell) and arrange in the dish; dot with the remaining butter then bake for approximately 40 minutes (if the stuffing looks as if it is getting a bit dry during cooking, cover with foil).
- Garnish and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 223.3, Fat 11.9, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 227.2, Sodium 156.7, Carbohydrate 21.7, Fiber 8.6, Sugar 7.6, Protein 10
ITALIAN GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH BASIL AND PARSLEY (MELANZANE GRIGLIATE AL BASILICO E PREZZEMOLO)
This Italian side dish (aka 'contorno') couldn't be easier! We make this often during the summer, when we have an abundance of basil and parsley growing in our garden. Works well with zucchini, too!
Provided by Kim's Cooking Now
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Brush eggplant lightly with olive oil on both sides. Stir together remaining olive oil, garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Arrange eggplant slices on the preheated grill and cook, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Arrange grilled eggplant on a platter. Brush with the olive oil and garlic mixture until eggplant has absorbed the oil. Sprinkle with the chopped basil and parsley and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.8 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 19 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 76.3 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
LOBSTER CATALAN (ARAGOSTA ALLA CATALANA), REVISITED
This recipe is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, especially when prepared and eaten outdoors, in warm weather, with bread and unconscionable quantities of Italian or Spanish rosé, ideally in Sardinia or at least with Sardinians. Female lobsters, with their delicious red roe, are a must. Ask your fishmonger, or look for animals with broad tails and soft, translucent feelers that cross at the tips.
Provided by Anthony Bourdain
Yield Serves 2-4 as an appetizer
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small, non-reactive bowl, toss together the onion, vinegar and and few pinches of salt. Set aside to lightly pickle for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook the lobsters in it for 12 minutes. Remove them from the pot and, when cool enough to handle, twist off and crack open the tails, using a kitchen towel to protect your hands.
- Remove the lobster roe (if available) from the place where the tail met the body. It is a coral-red bundle of tiny eggs. As best you can, delicately separate the eggs, taking care not to crush them, and set aside in a small bowl. Remove as much of the tomalley-the greenish substance found alongside the roe and possibly also in the head, that acts as the lobster's liver and pancreas, and which is quite delicious-and add it to the bowl with the roe.
- Remove the meat from the shell and coarsely chop it. Remove the claws, crack them and extract the meat. Extract as much of the knuckle and body meat as possible. Arrange all of the lobster meat on a serving platter or in a serving bowl, cover and chill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise and salt to taste. Fold in the reserved lobster roe and tomalley, taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- When ready to serve, scatter the pickled onions and the tomatoes over the lobster. Pour the dressing mixture over the lobster and vegetables, and serve immediately.
BAUMANIERE'S EGGPLANT GRATIN (D'AUBERGINES BAUMANIERE)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Prepare the eggplants: Peel and cut each eggplant lengthwise into slices one-eighth-inch thick. Use a pastry brush to brush the slices on each side with olive oil and place them on an oiled baking sheet. Bake until light brown on one side, five to 10 minutes. Turn and bake until light brown on the other side, about five more minutes. Check the eggplant frequently and remove the slices to a plate as they brown.
- Assemble the gratin: Cover the bottom of a shallow, five-cup porcelain gratin dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce. Sprinkle with minced herbs and cover with a layer of eggplant slices. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Continue in this manner until all of the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tomato sauce.
- Bake until crispy and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 172, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 876 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right eggplants: Look for firm, ripe eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants that are too soft or have blemishes, as these may be bitter.
- Salt the eggplants before cooking: Salting the eggplants before cooking helps to draw out the bitterness and moisture, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the eggplants, don't overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. Cook the eggplants in batches if necessary.
- Use a good quality tomato sauce: The tomato sauce is an important part of this dish, so be sure to use a good quality sauce that is flavorful and well-seasoned.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is cooked, while the eggplants are still hot and crispy.
Conclusion:
Catalan aubergine and eggplants is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. The combination of tender, flavorful eggplants, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!
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