Score the flesh with a knife to make a criss-cross pattern. Brush the flesh side with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the aubergines, flesh-side down, in a grill pan or baking tray and grill for 10–12 minutes, until leathery and soft.
How do you know when eggplant is cooked?
Eggplant is one vegetable for which slight undercooking will not work. It must be completely cooked through until it’s meltingly soft, smooth, and creamy; only then will it be flavorful on its own, as well as receptive to the other flavors with which you’ll blend it.
How long does aubergine take to boil?
Whole, medium-sized globe eggplants should take approximately 20 minutes to be fully cooked but still slightly firm. Add 5 minutes or so for silky-soft flesh. Increase or reduce the time by a few minutes for larger or smaller eggplants.
How do you prepare aubergine for cooking?
Slice the aubergine lengthways into 1cm slices. Arrange the aubergines over a grill pan. Brush lightly with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then grill until golden. Flip them over, brush again with oil, season and grill again until tender and golden.
Can you overcook eggplant?
Vegetables are not like meat, which turn rubbery when overcooked. They turn soft rather. Watch out for the opposite as well: Eggplants when cooked for a long time may turn mushy. Cut them and keep them immersed in cool water prior to cooking to avoid discoloring.
What happens if you eat undercooked eggplant?
Eggplant. Eggplant has compound solanine which restricts the absorption of calcium. Solanine poisoning can lead to a number of neurological and gastrointestinal problem the symptoms of which include nausea, dizziness, vomiting and cramping.
What are the health benefits of aubergine?
Aubergines are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They are also a good source of vitamins B1 and B6 and potassium. In addition it is high in the minerals copper, magnesium and manganese.
Can you eat raw aubergine?
Raw eggplant should be thoroughly salted before consumption. You can safely eat raw eggplant, though there are a few basic considerations you should keep in mind when doing so. Eggplant, also called aubergine, is part of the nightshade family, along with potatoes and tomatoes, and does contain the toxin solamine.
How do you cook Jamie Oliver Aubergine?
Halve the aubergine lengthways, quickly slash the flesh side of each half a few times and place skin side up in the pan, then season with sea salt and black pepper. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, or until it boils dry and begins to sizzle (listen for the change in sound).
Why is aubergine bad for you?
Are There Any Risks? Eggplant and other nightshade vegetables have the chemical solanine, which some people claim adds to inflammation and makes diseases like arthritis worse. There’s no solid evidence that the small amount of solanine in eggplant worsens arthritis symptoms.
Should I peel an aubergine?
Wash the aubergine. … Older aubergines should be skinned however as the skin turns bitter. Use a peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin (as thinly as you can). Use the aubergine straight after peeling, otherwise the flesh will discolour.
Do I need to soak Aubergine?
How to prepare aubergine. … In the past, recipes called for aubergines to be sliced and salted before cooking to reduce their bitterness. As modern varieties are much less bitter, that is no longer necessary, unless you’re planning to fry them – aubergines soak up oil like a sponge and salting helps reduce that.
Why is my eggplant so bitter?
This is a beautiful, delicious vegetable, but it’s one that frequently causes confusion among those unfamiliar with its idiosyncrasies. Eggplants are found in many colors, shapes, and sizes. … Putting salt on the eggplant triggers osmosis, which draws out excess moisture and the bitterness along with it.
How do you cook eggplant without getting soggy?
Sweat the eggplant.
With the air pockets full of moisture, there’s not as much room for the oil to soak in. Sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant, let it sweat for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before cooking.
Why do you soak eggplant before cooking?
Many recipes call for salting and rinsing eggplant before cooking it to draw out its bitterness. Brining can be used instead and has the added advantage of helping the eggplant keep its shape when it’s cooked, whether your recipe calls for baking, frying, or grilling.