Savory Pickled Eggplant with Garlic and Oregano
This flavorful pickled eggplant recipe, inspired by Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie at Home,' transforms humble eggplants into a delightful condiment perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply as a side dish. The process of pickling enhances the natural sweetness of the eggplant, while the infusion of garlic, oregano, and chili peppers adds an aromatic zest. With the option to explore an array of vegetable-herb pairings, you can tailor this recipe to suit your taste. Stored in jars, these pickled eggplants make for a wonderful homemade gift or a vibrant addition to your pantry.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 1/4 cups (none)
white wine vinegar
4 1/4 cups (none)
kosher salt
3 tablespoons (none)
eggplants
2 1/4 lbs (trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch batons)
dried oregano
1-2 tablespoons (none)
red chili pepper
1-2 (sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (coarsely sliced)
sunflower oil
1 cup (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine 4 1/4 cups of water, 4 1/4 cups of white wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
2
While the brine heats, prepare the eggplants: remove the green tops and slice them in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/2-inch slices, then turn them and cut across into 1/2-inch batons.
3
Once the brine is boiling, carefully add the eggplant batons. If they float, use a spoon to submerge them. Boil for 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-2 tablespoons of dried oregano, sliced red chili pepper, coarsely sliced garlic cloves, 1 cup of sunflower oil, and 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well.
5
Drain the cooked eggplant and immediately add it to the oil and herb mixture. Toss gently to coat the eggplant evenly in the oils and seasonings.
6
To prepare the jars, place them in a separate pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to sterilize. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool slightly.
7
Spoon the eggplant mixture into the sterilized jars, ensuring each jar is filled with both eggplant and the oil mixture. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
8
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator. Let the flavors meld for at least 24 hours before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pickled Eggplant?
It is a flavorful condiment made by boiling eggplant in a vinegar brine and preserving it in an oil mixture with garlic and oregano.
Who inspired this pickled eggplant recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Jamie Oliver's 'Jamie at Home'.
How much water is needed for the brine?
The recipe requires 4 1/4 cups of water.
What type of vinegar should be used?
You should use 4 1/4 cups of white wine vinegar.
How much salt is used in the brine?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of kosher salt.
How should the eggplants be prepared?
Remove the green tops, slice them in half lengthwise, then into 1/2-inch slices, and finally into 1/2-inch batons.
How long do the eggplant batons need to boil?
Boil the eggplant batons for 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
What should I do if the eggplants float in the brine?
If the eggplants float, use a spoon to submerge them under the boiling liquid.
What herbs are used in the oil mixture?
The mixture uses 1-2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
Does this recipe include chili peppers?
Yes, it includes 1-2 sliced red chili peppers for an aromatic zest.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves.
How should the garlic be sliced?
The garlic cloves should be coarsely sliced.
What types of oil are used for preservation?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup sunflower oil and 1 cup extra virgin olive oil.
When do I add the eggplant to the oil mixture?
Drain the cooked eggplant and immediately add it to the oil and herb mixture while still warm.
How do I sterilize the jars?
Place the jars in a separate pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.
How long should jars be boiled for sterilization?
They should be boiled for 5 minutes.
How should the jars be filled?
Spoon the eggplant into the jars ensuring each is filled with both eggplant and the oil mixture before sealing tightly.
How should the pickled eggplant be cooled?
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature.
Where should I store the finished jars?
Once cooled, the jars should be stored in the refrigerator.
How long should the eggplant sit before eating?
Let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before enjoying.
Is this recipe suitable for gifts?
Yes, these pickled eggplants make for a wonderful homemade gift.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
It is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply as a side dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly condiment.
How many pounds of eggplant are needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 lbs of eggplants.
Can I customize the herbs in this recipe?
Yes, you can explore various vegetable-herb pairings to suit your personal taste.
What is the ratio of sunflower oil to olive oil?
The ratio is 1:1, using 1 cup of each.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
No, the instructions only specify removing the green tops and slicing.
Is this considered a preserve?
Yes, it is categorized as a preserve and a condiment.
What is the texture of the finished eggplant?
The eggplant becomes slightly softened from the boiling process and then infused with oil.
How much dried oregano is recommended?
The recipe suggests using between 1 and 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.