The air-fried eggplant cubes, tasty and light, can be consumed as a side dish and used in the preparation of numerous dishes [example: vegetable caponata, eggplant caponata and eggplant with mushrooms].
Eggplants, rich in water and fiber, are a vegetable that lends itself to flavorful preparations.
In season from June to September.
Choose eggplants with a green and firm stem, smooth and tight skin without bruises, and a uniform color regardless of variety, shape [round or oval] and color [purple, black, white, red, streaked].
For this recipe, I recommend purging the eggplants by putting them under salt: the salt serves to eliminate solanine [potentially toxic substance], eliminate the bitterness from the eggplants and make them more digestible.
! if you do not have an air fryer, you can bake them.
An excellent versatile side dish also as a condiment, for:
• bruschetta and crostini;
• pasta, pasta salad and rice salad;
• preparation of sauces;
• preparations based on both meat and fish.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Air Frying, Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- coarse salt (abundant)
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- basil (or mint)
Suggested Tools
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Colander
- 2 Soup Plates
- 1 Bowl
- Air Fryer
Preparation
The good result of the recipe strongly depends on the freshness and quality of the berry.
Wash the eggplant thoroughly with the skin on [or remove it if you prefer].
Purge the eggplants to eliminate the bitterness
Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and remove the upper end, then cut into slices, sticks, and finally cubes or dice.
Transfer the cubes or dice of eggplant into a colander, distribute abundant coarse salt between the pieces, then place the colander on a deep plate, to collect the water, and cover the pieces with a deep plate and a weight [for example a cookie jar].
Leave to purge the eggplants under salt for at least two hours.
Rinse the eggplant cubes and squeeze them well with your hands.
Transfer the well-squeezed eggplant pieces into a bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then mix so that it is evenly distributed.
Follow the instructions [temperature and times] indicated in your appliance’s manual.
Procedure with my air fryer Ariete – Friggi Sano [Eurospin]:
• set the temperature to 390°F;
• preheat for 5 minutes;
• pour a drop of oil on a paper towel and oil the grill accessory;
• remove the basket, place the grill accessory inside and pour the eggplant cubes over it, distributing them in a single layer;
• cook for 10 minutes;
• remove the basket;
• shake to detach the eggplant pieces from the bottom;
• continue cooking, checking from time to time and shaking the basket until the desired crunchiness and browning are achieved.Move the air-fried eggplant to a plate on a sheet of parchment paper.
If necessary, adjust the salt.
Grind the pepper and add basil or mint leaves to taste.Your eggplant cubes fried in air fryer are ready.
Enjoy your meal!
! if you do not have an air fryer, you can bake them.
Notes
Hyperglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes.
You can find dedicated recipes here.
Remember:
• start the meal with an abundant portion of vegetables [raw or cooked];
• a balanced meal must contain all nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats & fiber;
• always prepare it respecting the proportions and combinations of food indicated in your dietary plan.
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