Antipasto Di Melanzane Eggplant Appetizer Recipes

ANTIPASTO DI MELANZANE (EGGPLANT APPETIZER)

Steps:

• Cut washed, unpeeled eggplant lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices.
• Cut slices into 2 1/2 inch lengths.
• Place on baking sheet, sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until eggplant is soft.
• Heat olive oil in frying pan.
• Add peeled and crushed garlic, seeded and chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and water; cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until sauce is thick.
• Add eggplant, salt and pepper to sauce.
• Stir lightly to combine.
• Sprinkle with red chili flakes.
• Spoon onto serving plate; serve warm or cold.

EGGPLANT BALLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and lightly grease 2 oven trays. Clean the eggplants, peel them and slice them into disks. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and bake them for 45 min until golden. Let them cool. In a food processor, finely chop the eggplant.
• In a bowl mix the onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, basil, parsley, egg and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped eggplants.
• Wet your hands with a little water and shape the eggplant mixture into balls. Place them on a non-stick oven tray and bake them for 25 minutes until deep golden brown and slightly crusty. Do not overbake or they will be too dry. Remove tray from oven and cover with foil to let the meatballs steam until ready to serve.

EGGPLANT APPETIZER

Steps:

• Put first six ingredients in a skillet and cook 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• Add all other ingredients. Simmer about 30 minutes until eggplant is tender.
• Chill overnight to blend flavors. Serve cold. May be frozen.
• NOTES:.
• I have never included the stuffed green olives.
• I increase the peppers and mushrooms (1 cup or a bit more).
• I have another very similar recipe which adds 3 tablespoons pine nuts with "all other ingredients". I have never tried this but I think it sounds good.
• I prefer it room temperature.