Eggplants in a jar for winter

Eggplants in a Jar for Winter

Summer is coming to an end, and our gardens are full of delicious produce! One of the most versatile and appreciated vegetables is undoubtedly the eggplant. These vegetables have a creamy texture and a fine taste, making them the ideal ingredient for a variety of dishes, from cooked meals to salads and appetizers. In this guide, I will share a simple and effective recipe for preserving eggplants in a jar, so you can enjoy them throughout the winter.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 340g or 3 jars of 420g

Ingredients:
- Eggplants (desired quantity, but 30 kg is recommended for enough throughout the winter)
- Salt (pickling salt is ideal)
- 340g or 420g jars

Brief history
Eggplants have been cultivated for thousands of years and are valued not only for their taste but also for their versatility in cooking. Preserving vegetables in jars is an ancient tradition that allows the flavors and nutrients to be retained, giving them a long shelf life. Cooking and preserving eggplants are excellent methods to enjoy fresh taste even on cold winter days.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Roasting the eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants well, then you can roast them either on the grill or in the oven. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 200°C. Place the eggplants on a tray, wrapped in aluminum foil, and roast them for 30-40 minutes until the flesh becomes soft and the skin is slightly charred.

2. Peeling the eggplants
After the eggplants are roasted, let them cool a bit so you can handle them. The skin should peel off easily. Use a knife or simply your hands to peel the eggplants.

3. Draining the eggplants
Once peeled, cut the eggplants in half and place them in a colander to drain excess water. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to extend the shelf life of the preserves.

4. Chopping the eggplants
After draining, chop the eggplants into small cubes or pieces, depending on your preference.

5. Adding salt
Place the chopped eggplants in a large bowl and add pickling salt. The amount of salt can be adjusted according to taste, but one tablespoon of salt per 500g of eggplants is a good starting point. Mix well with a wooden spoon to distribute the salt evenly.

6. Filling the jars
Fill the jars with the eggplant mixture, leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top. Make sure the eggplants are well packed but not too tightly.

7. Sealing the jars
Place the lids on the jars, ensuring they are tightly closed to prevent air from entering.

8. Boiling the jars
Place the jars in a large pot, fill it with water up to the lid level, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 40-50 minutes. This pasteurization process will help preserve the eggplants and prevent bacterial growth.

9. Cooling the jars
After the boiling time has expired, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a clean towel. Cover them with a blanket to cool slowly. This step helps to form a better seal.

10. Storage
Once the jars have completely cooled, store them in a pantry, in a dark and cool place. These preserved eggplants will last very well for up to two years.

Practical tips
- Ensure that the jars and lids are perfectly clean and sterilized to prevent contamination.
- You can experiment with adding spices, such as crushed garlic or herbs, to give the eggplants a personal touch.
- If you have eggplants of different colors, feel free to mix them for a more attractive appearance.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can eggplants be frozen instead of preserved?
Yes, eggplants can be frozen, but preserving them in jars will give them a better texture.

2. How can I use preserved eggplants?
Jarred eggplants are ideal for use in salads, pasta, pizza, or even as a side dish for various meals.

3. Can I add oil to the jars?
It is recommended not to add oil to the jars, as it can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

Serving suggestions
Preserved eggplants can be served as an appetizer alongside toasted bread and cheese, or can be used as a filling for pancakes or pies. For a quick and tasty lunch, try adding them to a tomato sauce and pasta, and the result will be a delicious and hearty meal.

Nutritional benefits
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C and B vitamins), and minerals. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Their fiber content aids in healthy digestion, and regular consumption of eggplants can contribute to maintaining optimal body weight.

Now that you have learned how to preserve eggplants in a jar, you are ready to fill your pantry with this delicacy! Enjoy winter with a simple and flavorful recipe. Bon appétit!