Indian eggplant, anyone?

At Whole Paycheck yesterday, I found the cutest little eggplant labeled Indian eggplant. I had to buy them because of the cuteness factor and because they were $2.00 off a pound. Now, they look just like regular eggplant, just a mini- me version. Is there something different about these or do I just reduce cooking times of regular recipes? Any terrific ideas? Thanks, all!

And Spring really is coming. I hope...

marynn
  • Posted by: marynn
  • March 23, 2014
  • 3789 views
  • 9 Comments

9 Comments

lisina March 28, 2014
I LOVE these! they're so cute, they make such an elegant side and require minimal effort. i like to slice them in half the long way, keeping the stems on, gently score the flesh, toss them in olive oil and throw them on a very hot grill until they're tender. then i just top them with whatever garnish i have laying around. Burrata, basil and a drizzle of balsamic is great, so is this cherry tomato vinaigrette from bon app: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cherry-tomato-vinaigrette.
 
Bevi March 26, 2014
This is a great dish, and you could use the eggplants you have for it:
http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2012/08/jennifer-perillo-fairytale-eggplant-parmesan/
 
Megan March 25, 2014
Here is another recipe for stuffed Indian eggplant, similar to what Pam p posted. ( which sounds fantastic!) It is from Ruta Kahate's 5 spices 50 recipes book, which is a great little collection of simple Indian dishes. A slight adaptation was posted on Mark Bittman's blog. The original had more salt and more cilantro. I have only ever made it adapted to large eggplants. Always wanted to try with the cute Indian ones! It is insanely good and really pretty simple. http://markbittman.com/stuffed-indian-eggplant/
 
petitbleu March 25, 2014
I love the tiny eggplants! Here's a fun little recipe for roasted eggplant served with a yogurt sauce. http://www.thejoykitchen.com/recipe/little-eggplant-appetizers-spiced-yogurt-sauce
 
Pam P. March 24, 2014
In India, we used to call them Bangalore brinjal/eggplant. No idea if there is any truth behind that name. I've seen them be used in stews and especially in South Indian style stuffed eggplant. It is divine, but rich (so you've been warned!:).
http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/archives/2005/10/24/stuffed-brinjal-curry-gutti-vankaaya-kura/
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx March 23, 2014
All I know about Indian eggplant is that a suitable substitute would be Japanese eggplant. Whole Foods is referred to as Whole Paycheck around my area as well, lol.
 
AntoniaJames March 23, 2014
We call it "Whole 401(k)". ;o)
 
amysarah March 23, 2014
I don't know anything specifically about "Indian eggplant", but making a south Indian brinjal (eggplant) pickle/relish might be fun. I admit I've only purchased it at Indian markets, not made it, but besides being delicious with Indian dishes, it's oddly great with a smear of goat cheese on a toasted baguette slice (I discovered this by accident and it's become a go-to cocktail party nibble.) I'm sure there are recipes online, if you Google it.
 
marynn March 23, 2014
I googled before asking. Our friend Mark VB6 Bittman differentiates this little gem from the ubiquitous globe eggplant we northerners know. Hence,the question to the broader food52 community.
 
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