Pickle Eggplant
Pickling preserves foods by immersing it in a highly acidic solution. This solution usually consists mostly of vinegar, but it is also possible to pickle by fermenting with salt. The acidic pH level prevents bacteria growth and lengthens the life of the food. Basic pickling requires few ingredients, but other ingredients are often added to achieve different flavors. Eggplant is one of many vegetables that are pickled. Use these steps to pickle your eggplant.
Steps
- Choose your eggplant.
- Prepare the eggplant.
- Pick eggplant that is at its peak freshness. Pickling will preserve the vegetable at its prime crispness. A fresh eggplant is a shiny, deep purple. The stem should be bright and the surface of the eggplant should have no bruises. Squeeze the eggplant gently to determine its sponginess. It should be firm. Purchase enough eggplant for the size of your pickling jar.
- Run the vegetable under cold water, rinsing the skin lightly with your fingers.
- Slice the eggplant into eighths. Cut each slice lengthwise into thin strips.
- Place the strips into a colander and sprinkle kosher salt over them.
- Lay the colander in the sink with a heavy skillet over it for 1 hour.
- Squeeze the eggplant between your hands into the sink. Add water to the eggplant and continue to squeeze until little juice remains.
- Boil the eggplant.
- Fill a saucepan or large pot with your sliced eggplant.
- Cover the eggplant with 2 cups (0.473 L) of water and 1 cup (0.237 L) of vinegar. If the eggplant is not covered, add another 2 cups (0.473 L) of water and 1 cup (0.237 L) of vinegar. Repeat until completely covered.
- Turn the burner on medium high heat until the mixture boils. Shut it off and let the eggplant sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Create a mixture of ingredients.
- Chop herbs and peppers, slice garlic and place it all in a large mixing bowl.
- Remove the eggplant from the stove and squeeze excess water out over the sink.
- Place the eggplant into the herb and vegetable mixture and pour 1 cup (0.237 L) of extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 cup (0.118 L) of vinegar over it.
- Stir the mixture, making sure the eggplant is coated with the other ingredients.
- Can the eggplant.
- Scoop the mixture into an aptly sized canning jar about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the top.
- Boil the vinegar on the stove and pour some into the jar, leaving 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of space from the top.
- Boil the top of the can in water for 1 minute and twist it onto the jar so it tightens when it cools. Also tighten the canning ring of the lid.
- Place the sealed can into the pot of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Store the pickled eggplant in a cool, dark environment for at least 1 month before opening.
Tips
- Search for alternative recipes to create different types of pickled eggplant.
Warnings
- Always practice precaution when handing boiling water. Use tongs and gloves to remove the lid and can from the water.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh eggplant
- Knife
- Colander
- Water
- Sink
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Stove
- Herbs
- Peppers
- Garlic
- Mixing bowl
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Stirring spoon
- Canning jar
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