Once the water has reached a rolling boil, drop the eggplant rounds into the pot, and blanch them for four minutes. This will kill any bacteria that may be present, and stop the enzyme action, so they hold up well in the freezer. Prep a large bowl of ice water while the eggplant is blanching.
Do you have to blanch eggplant?
eggplant requires a brief heat treatment, called blanching, in boiling water or steam, to destroy the enzymes before freezing. Cook (blanch) the eggplant for 4 minutes. Begin counting the blanching time as soon as you place the eggplant in the boiling water.
Do you have to blanch eggplant before freezing?
Blanching kills the enzymes that cause eggplants to lose their texture and flavor over time. Eggplant also has a high water content, so it benefits from being cooked slightly before freezing.
How long do you blanch eggplant before freezing?
Blanch the eggplant slices for 4 minutes, cool, and package in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing bags.
Why do you soak eggplant before cooking?
Eggplant works like a sponge, soaking up the milk into the flesh of the fruit. The final result is creamy and juicy, and the bitterness is all gone. The quickest way to make your eggplants less bitter is to scoop out and throw away the seeds of the fruit.
How long do you blanch eggplant for?
Once the water has reached a rolling boil, drop the eggplant rounds into the pot, and blanch them for four minutes. This will kill any bacteria that may be present, and stop the enzyme action, so they hold up well in the freezer. Prep a large bowl of ice water while the eggplant is blanching.
How do you blanch eggplant before frying?
To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, adding 1/2 cup lemon juice for every gallon. Slice or cut the eggplant (don’t do this too early or the flesh will discolor when exposed to air) into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Small eggplants do not need to be peeled.
What happens if you do not blanch a vegetable before freezing it?
Blanching helps vegetables keep their vibrant colors and retain nutrients, and stops the enzymes that would otherwise lead to spoilage. Freezing vegetables without blanching them first results in faded or dulled coloring, as well as off flavors and textures.
Can I freeze raw eggplant?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze eggplant. Eggplant that has been frozen and thawed will never be exactly like fresh eggplant, but there are some things you can do to preserve the texture and taste.
What is the best way to preserve eggplant?
Stack the cut eggplant in a container and spray some lemon juice over the slices. Gently toss the eggplant so the lemon juice touches all the pieces. The citric acid helps preserve the freshness of the cut vegetable. Then, seal the container tightly closed.
What’s the best way to freeze eggplant?
Cut the eggplant into approximately one-inch-thick rounds, bake in a 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant, just until tender. Once cool, place the slices between wax paper to prevent sticking, and store in freezer bags or containers.
What can I do with too many eggplants?
Lengthwise-sliced eggplant pieces can be pan-fried (or grilled or roasted or broiled), stuffed with ricotta or other cheeses, rolled, and baked into involtini with tomato sauce. Halved Chinese (or any long, slender variety) eggplants can be marinated and microwaved until tender.
How long does eggplant keep in the refrigerator?
5 – 7 days
To refrigerate, wrap in a paper towel and place in a reusable container or perforated plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator for use within 5 – 7 days. Eggplant may also be blanched or steamed then frozen for up to six months.
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.
How do you get the bitterness out of eggplant after cooking?
Putting salt on the eggplant triggers osmosis, which draws out excess moisture and the bitterness along with it. Remove any excess salt by wrapping the eggplant in a kitchen towel and pressing on the slices or cubes, which removes even more water.
Is it better to soak eggplant in milk or salt?
Soak it in milk.
The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.
Do you peel Japanese eggplant before cooking?
Japanese eggplant has a thin skin, so it is no need to peel it and you can grill or bake them. It will be soft and pleasant to eat!
How do you parboil eggplant?
If you cook eggplant as a separate dish, we throw them into boiling water – thanks to retain most of their juices. The whole eggplant simmer for 20 minutes. Diced eggplant simmer for 10-12 minutes. Time start to count from the time of re-boil water.
How do you store fried eggplant in the refrigerator?
To maximize the shelf life of cooked eggplant for safety and quality, refrigerate the eggplant in airtight containers or resealable bags. Properly stored, cooked eggplant will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Is salting eggplant necessary?
Really? In most cases, that’s just not necessary. After an extended series of experiments, I found you only need to salt eggplant if you’re going to be frying it, and even then only sometimes. If you’re cooking it in some other way — roasting, grilling, steaming — salting has no effect.
Can you eat the purple skin on eggplant?
The skin is edible, so you can choose to eat it or remove it before cooking. One tip for cooking eggplant is to remove as much water as possible. To do this, you can salt the eggplant (after cutting it into your preferred shape), and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Marilyn Medina is a food expert with over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry. She has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton and The French Laundry.
What makes Marilyn stand out from other chefs is her unique approach to cooking. She believes that food should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or dietary restrictions. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and healthy – perfect for anyone who wants to cook like a pro!