Top 5 Global Eggplant Recipes with Chef Priya & Chef Nisha

Chef Priya: "Eggplant is such a versatile ingredient, don’t you think, Nisha? Let’s dive into some global favorites!"

Chef Nisha: "Absolutely, Priya! Eggplant dishes have such diverse flavors. Let’s explore the world through these recipes."

Recipe 1: Baba Ganoush (Middle Eastern)

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 tbsp tahini
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Roast the eggplants over an open flame or in an oven until charred and soft. Let them cool.
2. Peel the charred skin and mash the flesh in a bowl.
3. Mix in tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt.
4. Serve garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect with pita bread!

Recipe 2: Ratatouille (French)

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Herbs de Provence or mixed herbs

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes and herbs. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot as a side dish or with crusty bread.

Recipe 3: Eggplant Parmesan (Italian)

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil for frying

Steps:

1. Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
2. Fry the slices in olive oil until golden brown.
3. Layer fried eggplants with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Recipe 4: Baingan Bharta (Indian)

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp mustard oil
• Salt and spices (turmeric, chili powder, garam masala)

Steps:

1. Roast eggplants until soft. Peel and mash them.
2. Heat mustard oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes with spices.
4. Mix in mashed eggplants. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve with roti or naan.

Recipe 5: Moussaka (Greek)

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 2 cups Béchamel sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Olive oil for frying

Steps:

1. Fry eggplant slices in olive oil. Set aside.
2. Sauté onion and ground meat until browned. Add tomatoes and cook until thickened.
3. Layer eggplants and meat sauce in a baking dish. Top with Béchamel and cheese.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Serve warm.

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