Eggplant Antipasto Recipes

Steps:

• Wash and pare eggplant. Slice into 1/2-inch thick slices, and then cut again into 1/2-inch strips. Drop strips into a pan of boiling water. When the water returns to a boil, remove pan from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. The strips will become translucent and sink to the bottom. Drain in colander and place a small plate on top of eggplant, adding a heavy weight (such as a gallon jug of water). Let it drain for at least an hour. In a medium bowl, stir together the rest of the ingredients to make the marinade, and then add the eggplant, stirring gently. Refrigerate and serve within 2 days, or pack into 2 small jars or 1 pint jar and twist the lid(s) on tightly. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes (I boiled mine for 5 minutes instead). Keep refrigerated after opening.

Steps:

• Arrange all components decoratively on a large platter.
• Lay peppers on their sides on racks of gas burners and turn flames on moderately high. Roast, turning frequently with tongs, until skins are blackened, 5 to 8 minutes. (Or broil on rack of a broiler pan about 4 inches from heat, turning frequently, 15 to 20 minutes.)
• Transfer to a bowl, then cover, and let steam 10 minutes. Alternatively, place peppers in resealable plastic bags to steam. Peel peppers and discard stems and seeds. Cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide strips.
• In a bowl, place cleaned peppers. Douse with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, to taste.

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan to high. Brush eggplant slices with oil and place on grill. Season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Grill eggplant 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Arrange sliced grilled eggplant on a platter and top with a splash of red wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.
• Wedge table cheeses and arrange them on your antipasto platter. Arrange sliced drained roasted red peppers next to your eggplant.
• Combine artichokes and mushrooms in a bowl and toss with crushed garlic, lemon, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley, and thyme. Season artichokes and mushrooms with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Fan out sliced Italian meats on your platter between cheeses and pile your olives at the center of the platter. Prepare the rest of your meal. Just before serving, remove crushed garlic clove from artichokes and mushrooms and transfer the mixture to the antipasto platter.

Steps:

• Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and heat over medium heat until mixture bgins to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
• Pour into freezer containers or canning jars leaving an inch headspace.
• Cool completely, label, and freeze.
• Defrost overnight before serving.
• Serve this on your favourite crackers or on toasted french bread slices.
• Makes a great gift!

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450 degrees.
• Peel the eggplant and place in a roasting pan or dish. Coat eggplant with 2 tablespoons olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and light golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
• While the eggplant cooks, hand-crush the tomato in a medium bowl and add garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining olive oil and thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.
• When eggplant is tender and light golden brown, add tomato mixture to the roasting pan, and roast for another 10 minutes.
• Scatter with pecorino and roast for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
• Transfer to a serving dish, including the pan drippings, and serve hot.