Eggplants with garlic

Eggplants with garlic - a winter delicacy

In the cold season, when fresh vegetables become a rarity, it is essential to enjoy the flavors of summer through preservation methods that bring a touch of sunshine to our plates. Eggplants with garlic are a perfect choice to enrich winter meals, combining the intense taste of eggplant with the unmistakable aroma of garlic. This recipe is not only simple and quick, but also offers an excellent way to preserve delicious eggplants for those moments when you crave a savory appetizer.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6 jars of 500 ml

Necessary ingredients:
- 5-6 long, thin eggplants (choose fresh eggplants with smooth, shiny skin)
- 1 cup of garlic paste (about 10-12 garlic cloves)
- 3 cups of diluted and boiled vinegar (1 cup of vinegar to 2 cups of water)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 kg oil (sunflower oil or olive oil is ideal, depending on preference)
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplant: Start by washing the eggplants with cold water, making sure to remove any impurities. Cut the eggplants into thick slices of 2-3 fingers to achieve a pleasant texture after frying. This is a crucial step, as the thickness of the slices will influence both the frying time and the final result.

2. Salting the eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them drain in a sieve or on a clean towel for 2-3 hours. This process will help remove excess water from the eggplants, preventing them from absorbing too much oil during frying. It’s an effective trick to achieve less oily eggplants with a better texture.

3. Frying the eggplant: Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the eggplant slices to achieve a golden and crispy crust. Fry the slices in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, so that the eggplants fry evenly. Each frying round should last about 5-7 minutes until the eggplants become golden and soft.

4. Preparing the garlic paste: In the meantime, prepare the garlic paste. Crush 10-12 garlic cloves and mix them with a pinch of salt and a little oil to obtain a smooth paste. This combination will give the eggplants an intense and aromatic flavor.

5. Assembling the jars: After frying the eggplants, spread garlic paste on each slice and carefully place them in jars, alternating the layers. It’s important to pack them tightly but without crushing them, to maintain their shape.

6. Preparing the brine: Boil the diluted vinegar together with the bay leaves and let it cool slightly. Pour the hot brine over the eggplants in the jars, ensuring they are completely covered. This will help preserve the eggplants and add flavor.

7. Sealing the jars: Seal the jars with double plastic wrap, ensuring they are well sealed to prevent air from entering. Let them cool to room temperature before storing them in the pantry.

8. Wait and enjoy: The eggplants with garlic are ready to be enjoyed after a waiting period of up to 12 days. This time allows the flavors to blend perfectly, providing you with a special delicacy for winter meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Eggplants are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially B6, C, K), and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient for a balanced diet. Garlic, besides its intense aroma, brings numerous health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also contribute to maintaining a healthy diet.

Serving suggestions:
Eggplants with garlic can be served as an appetizer alongside toasted bread or can be used as a side dish for meats. You can also accompany them with a fresh vegetable salad for a pleasant contrast. A glass of white wine or a refreshing drink will perfectly complete the meal.

Variations:
If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can experiment with different spices in the brine, such as black pepper, mustard seeds, or hot pepper. You can also replace some of the garlic with other herbs like parsley or dill to achieve a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen eggplants?
It is not recommended to use frozen eggplants for this recipe, as the texture will change.

2. How long can I keep eggplants with garlic?
If stored under proper conditions (in a cool, dark place), eggplants can be kept for up to 1 year.

3. Can I replace vinegar with something else?
Vinegar is essential for preservation, but you can use various types, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to experiment with flavors.

4. How can I prevent eggplants from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure to let them drain with salt, and frying should be done over medium to high heat, so you achieve a crispy crust that will reduce oil absorption.

Therefore, now that you have all the necessary details, it’s time to start cooking and enjoy the flavor of eggplants with garlic. This simple and delicious recipe will surely become a favorite in your pantry!