Eggplant Antepasto Recipes

EASY MARINATED EGGPLANT

Steps:

• Brush the slices of eggplant with olive oil then grill in a hot grill pan until softened and caramelized on both sides.
• Place the slices of eggplant into a large jar or sealable container.
• Mix all the marinade ingredients together, adjust seasoning as necessary and pour over the eggplant.
• Seal the jar or container and allow to marinade for at least 6 hours but up to 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

EGGPLANT ANTEPASTO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 º F.
• Wash eggplant, don't peel it.
• In a cutting board, slice and dice eggplant, onion and red pepper ( I dice them really small ). Mince the garlic.
• In a 9X13 inches glass pan, mix all the ingredients.
• Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until eggplant is tender.
• Transfer to a glass container, close tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

MELENZANA ALI OLIO

Steps:

• On the evening before you intend to make the dish, prepare the eggplant. Cut the ends off the eggplants, and peel. Cut the peeled eggplant into long strips about as big around as shoestring french fries. Place the strips into a large bowl, and stir in 1/2 cup of coarse salt.
• Place a sturdy dinner plate upside down in a clean sink, making sure that the drain is not blocked. Place a generous handful of the eggplant strips onto the center of the plate, and cover with another upside down dinner plate to create an eggplant sandwich. Layer more eggplant and plates until all of the eggplant is sandwiched. Cap it off with one additional plate, and press down firmly. Set a sturdy stock pot on top, and fill with enough water to create some pressure on the eggplant layers. Not so much pressure that you break your dishes though. Let this pressing process stand overnight.
• The next day, fill a large bowl with ice water. Begin dismantling your stack of plates. One layer (handful) at a time, briefly swish the eggplant around in the ice water, then squeeze dry and place into a clean bowl. If your hand starts to hurt, you are swishing too long. Once all of the eggplant is rinsed and squeezed and in the bowl, mix in the vinegar. Let rest for about 15 minutes.
• Heat a splash of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano and sea salt. Cook and stir just until fragrant. You do not want to cook the garlic. Set aside to cool.
• Your eggplants should be well rested now. Give them one last sqeeze. Make it a good one, or your melenzana is going to taste like pickles. ''Don't worry, this is the last time, I promise...'' (This is to be said to the poor little melenzana - they've been through so much!)
• Place the squeezed eggplants into a large bowl, and stir in the contents of the skillet and remaining olive oil until well blended. Transfer to sterile 1 pint or 1/2 pint jars. Make sure to fill the jars to the top, and top off with any olive oil that may be left in the bowl. Wipe the rims with a clean dry cloth, and seal tightly with new lids. Refrigerate for at least a month before opening.

EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) ANTIPASTO

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until mixture bgins to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
• Pour into freezer containers or canning jars leaving an inch headspace.
• Cool completely, label, and freeze.
• Defrost overnight before serving.
• Serve this on your favourite crackers or on toasted french bread slices.
• Makes a great gift!

RUSTIC ANTIPASTO

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan to high. Brush eggplant slices with oil and place on grill. Season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Grill eggplant 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Arrange sliced grilled eggplant on a platter and top with a splash of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.
• Wedge table cheeses and arrange them on your antipasto platter. Arrange sliced drained roasted red peppers next to your eggplant.
• Combine artichokes and mushrooms in a bowl and toss with crushed garlic, lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley, and thyme. Season artichokes and mushrooms with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Fan out sliced Italian meats on your platter between cheeses and pile your olives at the center of the platter. Prepare the rest of your meal. Just before serving, remove crushed garlic clove from artichokes and mushrooms and transfer the mixture to the antipasto platter.