Eggplant is in Season

Once in a while I like choosing a vegetable that not many people are familiar with that's in season. I do it because a varied diet is very important just like a varied training program is. In addition, vegetables are packed with antioxidants (compounds that help us fight "toxins" in the body) as well as other important minerals and vitamins. I don't want you to miss out, especially if you are avoiding it because you have no idea what to do with it.

Today I chose one of my favorite vegetables, the eggplant. Egg what?! Yes eggplant.

             

Eggplant, also called aubergine, is a night shade vegetable originally from India (eggplant is actually classified as a fruit but we treat it like a vegetable). It comes in multiple shapes and colors but the most common one in north America is dark purple and oval shaped on the outside but cream colored on the inside. It is used in many cuisines including: Italian, Indian, Turkish, Greek, Thai and more. Eggplant is eaten cooked, not raw.

Nutritionally it is low in calories and carbohydrates, fat free and cholesterol free. It is a very good source of fiber and contains a phytonutrient called Nasunin that's located in the peel of the eggplant. The peel also contains phytonutrients called anthocyanins. Nasunin and anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that help us fight inflammation and some cancers as well as help us protect multiple cells including brain cells and heart cells. Eggplant is a good source of potassium, manganese, copper and several B vitamins. B vitamins are important for metabolism and the minerals help with multiple functions in the body including bone health, electrolyte balance and wound healing just to name a few.
Eggplant can be used as an appetizer, side dish or even as part of the main dish. Here are some ideas of how to experiment with this fantastic vegetable:

Baba Ganoush - Middle Eastern eggplant spread

Ingredients
1 Medium size Eggplant
2 Tbsp Tahini Paste
1 tsp Minced Garlic
2 Tbsp Lemon juice
Salt & Pepper for taste
2 Tbsp Cilantro chopped fine (Garnish)

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Cover eggplant with aluminum foil and bake until completely soft (20-25 minutes). Alternatively you can roast on the grill (about 10 minutes) until soft and peel is charred. If roasting on the grill, aluminum foil is not needed (for the smokey flavor).
2. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
3. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise and with a spoon take out all the pulp and move to medium bowl.
4. Depending how smooth you like it, you can smash the pulp with a fork or put in the food processor for a smoother texture.
5. Add the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the eggplant pulp and stir.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Note; this tends to taste even better after it sits in the fridge for a while. Serve with crackers or pita bread.

Here is a great eggplant parmesan recipe

Baked Eggplant - A tasty and easy side

Ingredients
2 Eggplants cut into rounds
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Tbsp of Fresh Rosemary (can use 2 Tbsp dried)
0.5 tsp Kosher Salt
0.5 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spread eggplant on baking sheet.
3. Brush the eggplant with oil
4. Sprinkle the rosemary, salt, pepper and garlic evenly as you can
5. Bake until soft and brown (about 20-30 minutes)
6. Serve as a side for fish, steak or chicken

Press here for more easy eggplant recipes.

Make sure that next time you go to the grocery store you pick yourself an eggplant and try one of these tasty recipes. Feel free to post here how it came out.
Happy Eating!