What to Serve with Eggplant Parmesan (14 Ideal Side Dishes)
- Antipasto Salad.
- Meatballs.
- Garlic Bread.
- Gnocchi.
- Grilled Zucchini.
- Roasted Broccolini.
- Fresh Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette.
- Sauteed Green Beans.
What does eggplant pair well with?
With Goat’s cheese
We are all familiar with its successful marriage with mozzarella but the pairing of roast eggplant and fresh goat’s cheese is the height of refinement. Try it fried and spread with fragrant goat’s cheese previously aromatised with fresh mint leaves.
What protein goes well with eggplant?
Eggplant marries well with a variety of meats, perhaps due to its mild flavor.
- Lamb. Eggplant goes well with lamb; you will find this pairing throughout the Middle East in particular, where lamb is a popular meat.
- Beef.
- Chicken.
- Pork.
Do Italians eat eggplant parmesan?
Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di melanzane), is a true classic Italian dish that has become immensely popular around the world. So much so, it has spawned other versions of “Parmesan”-style dishes that don’t really exist in Italy (or at least not under this name), such as chicken Parmesan and veal Parmesan.
What wine goes with eggplant parmesan?
For your eggplant parmesan wine pairing, consider the important pairing ingredients: fresh cheese, marinara sauce. Those beg for acidic and juicy wines, so go-tos are going to be barbera, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, nebbiolo, primitivo, and zinfandel.
Why do you soak eggplant in salt water?
Salting: Salting removes excess liquid and some of the bitterness. Today’s eggplants are bred for mildness, though, so it’s not as important as it used to be (if you are frying eggplant, salting will ensure a creamy texture and rich flavor). This method works for eggplant slices, cubes, or planks.
How do you take the bitterness out of eggplant?
If you are worried that the eggplant might be bitter, slice or cube it, then salt it liberally and allow it to drain for an hour or so before cooking. Putting salt on the eggplant triggers osmosis, which draws out excess moisture and the bitterness along with it.
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
Should eggplant be peeled?
While the skin of a small young eggplant is edible, the skin becomes bitter on larger or older eggplants and should be peeled. When in doubt, the answer to, “Do you peel eggplant before cooking?” is yes, peel it.
Is eggplant a complete protein?
Eggplants contain incomplete protein, but you complement them with a variety grains or legumes each day to make a complete protein.
What is the difference between eggplant parmesan and Eggplant Parmigiana?
Think of Eggplant Parmigiana as a pasta-less vegetarian Lasagna, made with thin slices of eggplant instead of pasta, layered with tomato sauce, fresh basil and plenty of molten cheese. Called Parmigiana di Melanzane in Italian and known as Eggplant Parmesan in the US, it’s a low-carb dream come true!
How healthy is eggplant parmesan?
While eggplant can be great for your health and a tasty way to add more veggies to your diet, eggplant parmesan is traditionally loaded with oil. The beautiful eggplant tends to soak up oil like a sponge while it’s frying, which can lead to a very high fat and calorie content in the finished dish.
Whats the difference between parmesan and parmigiana?
They both start out with cow’s milk, but the regulations on the milk are specific to each cheese. Parmesan can have any type of cow’s milk, but Parmigiano has to use whole, unpasteurized milk.
Does Cabernet go with eggplant parmesan?
Eggplant has a rich texture that, when cooked soft, is an excellent foil to the chewy tannins of our District 7 Cabernet Sauvignon. Though bold red wines are typically reserved for red meat dishes, our Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with many hearty vegetarian dishes, such as this Eggplant Parmesan.
What red wine goes well with eggplant?
Eggplant is a surprisingly good partner with red wines like Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
What wine goes well with eggplant rollatini?
Red wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon pair surprisingly well with eggplant.
Should you peel eggplant for eggplant parm?
Do you have to peel eggplant before you cook it? The peel of an eggplant is completely edible. However, as the eggplant grows bigger and matures, the peel may become tough and bitter. People often prefer to peel larger eggplants because of this, but smaller eggplants do just fine unpeeled.
Do you need to salt eggplant before making eggplant parmesan?
Not necessarily; it depends on what you’re looking for in the finished dish. Though salting works when you want the eggplant to be creamy and tender — such as with parmigiana — in those cases where you want the eggplant to retain its shape and have a slightly firmer texture — such as ratatouille — you can skip it.
Do you have to sweat eggplant before cooking?
Another argument in favor of salting claims that it draws moisture out of the eggplant’s cells that will, in turn, block the absorption of oil during cooking. But we know from experience that a salted eggplant still soaks up quite a bit of oil. So, in the end, we’re with Clee on this one: don’t sweat it.
Do you have to salt aubergines before cooking?
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.
Should you soak eggplant in salt water before cooking?
If you’re new to preparing eggplant for cooking, you might be wondering, “Is salting eggplant necessary?” The short answer is no. Because thanks to the advancements made in eggplant farming, most of the time, salting eggplant is not necessary. For most recipes, I simply slice up the veggie and get cooking!
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.