EGGPLANTS FOR WINTER (IN FREEZER)

Discover the magic of eggplant for winter – a simple and effective recipe to enrich your meals with delicious flavors even in the midst of the cold season. Freezing eggplant will not only provide you with a stock of healthy vegetables, but it will also transform any dish into a true delicacy. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings (approximately 4 kg of baked eggplant)

Ingredients
- 10 kg fresh eggplant

Necessary utensils
- Oven
- Cutting board
- Tempered glass knife (or another kitchen knife)
- Freezer or airtight containers
- Absorbent towels

Steps for preparation

Step 1: Preparing the eggplant
Start by washing the eggplants under a stream of cold water to remove any pesticides or impurities. This step is essential to ensure your eggplants are clean and safe for consumption. After washing, dry them well with absorbent towels. It is important to remove excess water to achieve even baking.

Step 2: Baking the eggplant
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the eggplants on a baking tray, ensuring they do not overlap. Bake them for 40-50 minutes, until the skin turns black and the flesh is soft. You can check the consistency with a fork – if it goes in easily, the eggplants are ready!

Step 3: Peeling the eggplant
Once the eggplants are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. This is an important step, as it will allow you to handle them without burning yourself. Carefully remove the black skin – you can use a knife or, depending on your preference, simply squeeze them gently with your hand. You will notice how the soft flesh comes off easily.

Step 4: Draining the eggplant
After peeling, place the eggplants in a colander to drain excess juice. This step is crucial, as it prevents ice crystals from forming during freezing, thus preserving the texture and flavor of the eggplant.

Step 5: Cutting the eggplant
Use a cutting board and a tempered glass knife to chop the eggplants into smaller pieces suitable for later use. This will not only facilitate cooking but also ensure even portioning. Each portion should be approximately 600 g, so divide the eggplants according to your needs.

Step 6: Portioning and freezing
Place the portions of eggplant in the freezer or in airtight containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the containers to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents to help you organize your long-term stock.

Useful tips
- Choosing eggplant: Look for firm eggplants with a uniform color and no blemishes. Smaller eggplants are often less bitter, so consider the size when choosing.
- Even baking: If you have a convection oven, use it to ensure even baking.
- Variations: You can add spices or herbs to the baked eggplant before freezing, such as basil or garlic, to enhance the flavor.
- Thawing: When you're ready to use the frozen eggplants, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function of your oven or microwave.

Nutritional benefits
Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, vitamins B and K, and minerals such as potassium and manganese. These vegetables are low in calories (about 25 calories per 100 g), making them ideal for a healthy diet. They also contain dietary fiber, which contributes to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I freeze raw eggplant? It is usually better to bake them before freezing, as this process improves their texture and flavor.
- How can I use frozen eggplant? They are excellent for dishes such as moussaka, salads, or purees. You can add them to soups, stews, or serve them as a side dish.
- How long can I keep eggplant in the freezer? Eggplants can be kept in the freezer for 6-12 months, but for the best quality, consume them within the first 6 months.

Combine with...
For a complete meal, serve eggplant with a fresh tomato sauce or alongside a light salad. A glass of white wine or a refreshing mint tea perfectly complements summer meals.

These winter eggplants are more than just an ingredient – they are a reserve of memories and flavors, a way to preserve the taste of summer even in the coldest winter days. Do yourself a favor and prepare them now to enjoy their flavor all year round!