Pickled Eggplant, Almagro Style
BERENJENA DE ALMAGRO EN ESCABECHEIn the heart of La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote, emerges a gastronomic gem – the Pickled Eggplant, Almagro Style. Rediscovered in recent years, the cuisine of this region now boasts esteemed products like Manchego cheese, celebrated not only in Spain but also gaining popularity in the United States. Almagro, nestled in the middle of La Mancha, takes pride in its locally grown eggplants, and the Mesón del Corregidor restaurant is a delightful haven to savor these regional delights.
Ingrediënten
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
- 2 small eggplants about 3 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped tomato
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½-inch piece red chile pepper, seeded
- Kosher or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Parsley for garnish
Instructies
- Place the eggplants in a medium saucepan, add water to cover, and season with salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and let cool.
- Cut off the stems and halve each eggplant lengthwise.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the eggplant and cook for 1 minute per side.
- Transfer the eggplant to a platter.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, tomato, cumin, oregano, chile pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to the platter.
- Reduce the heat to low and return the eggplant to the skillet, cut side up.
- Add the vinegar and water and simmer until only a small amount of liquid remains, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Sprinkle with parsley.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serve the Pickled Eggplant, Almagro Style, at room temperature or refrigerate to chill and serve cold. Savor the flavors of La Mancha!
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