Savory Italian Eggplant Stew
This Savory Italian Eggplant Stew is a delightful fusion of flavors wrapped in a rich and hearty base. The eggplant, once scoffed at, becomes tender and succulent, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onions and the zesty notes of garlic. Chickpeas add a boost of protein and texture, while capers provide a briny contrast that elevates the dish. Perfectly suited for serving over al dente pasta or fluffy rice, this stew is not just a comforting meal on its own; it’s a versatile dish that brings the essence of Italian cooking to your table.
N/A
Servings
60
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 medium (halved and diced)
salt
2 tablespoons (for brining eggplants)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
capers
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for balance)
parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the eggplants. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the center and seeds. Dice the eggplants into 3/4 inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for at least 20 minutes to draw out moisture. After this time, drain the liquid that has collected, rinse the eggplant well to remove excess salt, and pat dry with paper towels.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
3
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, and the prepared eggplant cubes.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is tender but not mushy.
5
After the eggplant has cooked, stir in the capers and sugar, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors together. Fold in the chopped parsley, and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
6
Serve warm, either on its own or over your choice of pasta or rice.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Eggplant Stew?
It is a hearty dish featuring tender eggplant, chickpeas, and caramelized onions in a rich tomato base with a briny caper finish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as both vegetarian and plant-based.
How should I prepare the eggplants for this stew?
Cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the center and seeds, then dice them into 3/4 inch cubes.
Why do I need to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Sprinkling salt on the eggplant and letting it sit helps draw out excess moisture and improves the texture.
How long should the eggplant sit with salt?
The eggplant should sit with salt for at least 20 minutes.
Should I rinse the eggplant after salting?
Yes, rinse the eggplant well to remove the salt and then pat it dry with paper towels.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
What size of diced tomatoes should I use?
Use one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, ensuring they are drained.
Do the chickpeas need to be prepared before adding them to the pot?
Yes, the chickpeas should be rinsed and drained.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for about 15 minutes until the eggplant is tender but not mushy.
At what point do I add the capers?
Stir in the capers and sugar after the eggplant has finished simmering.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
A teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the flavors of the stew.
What fresh herb is used as a garnish?
Fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley at the end of the cooking process.
What can I serve with Savory Italian Eggplant Stew?
It is perfect over al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or served warm on its own.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 60 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
The stew contains 1.7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this stew provide?
It provide 2.3g of protein per serving.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal, making it easy for cleanup.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the texture of the eggplant once cooked?
The eggplant becomes tender and succulent, but it should not be mushy.
How much salt is used for the eggplant preparation?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of salt for the brining process.
Can I add pepper to this dish?
Yes, you should season the stew to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
How many eggplants do I need?
You will need 2 medium eggplants.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, plant-based dinner option.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 large chopped onion.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for this stew.
What provides the briny contrast in the stew?
The addition of 2 tablespoons of capers provides a briny contrast that elevates the dish.