Pickled Eggplant

Name: Pickled Eggplant
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 1 quart
Ingredients: 5 cups peeled, medium-dice eggplant (about 1 pound); 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 cup white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil; 3/4 cup small-dice red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper); 6 medium garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Eggplant New Year's Eve Christmas Thanksgiving Italian Pickling Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Condiments Appetizer Side Dish Italian-American Preserving Holidays Antipasti Vegetables Easy White Wine Vinegar

Save (128)

Rate

1 quart Easy

(5) Total: 1 hr 20 mins, plus marinating time Active: 20 mins

PREVIOUS: White Sturgeon with Couscous and Spicy Eggplant... NEXT: Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients (8)

5 cups peeled, medium-dice eggplant (about 1 pound)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup small-dice red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Nutritional Information

Calories262
Fat27.17g
Saturated fat3.76g
Trans fat
Carbs4.25g
Fiber1.81g
Sugar2.13g
Protein0.72g
Cholesterol
Sodium254.91mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (10 servings) Powered by

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

1 of 3

Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

2 of 3

Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

3 of 3

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

We love these tender-firm cubes of eggplant pickled Italian-style, with salt, white wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil, infused with red pepper flakes, garlic, and oregano. The key to success with this tangy, bright-tasting antipasto is to let it age gracefully: The longer the eggplant sits in the marinade, the more the flavors meld and mellow. While three days is the shortest recommended time, we’ve enjoyed this crostini topper for up to 10 days after making it. Keep the pickled eggplant refrigerated in an airtight container. The olive oil will solidify, so just before serving, remove the pickle from the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to serve it, or until the oil liquefies.

We featured this recipe in our Christmas Day Feast, Italian Style photo gallery.

For more pickling inspiration, check out our Bread-and-Butter Radishes, Easy Quick Pickles, and Momofuku Turmip Pickle.

by Ali LaRaia

Instructions

1Combine the eggplant and salt in a large bowl. Nest another bowl on top of the eggplant and weigh it down with a few canned goods (beans or tomatoes work well); set aside for 1 hour.
2Transfer eggplant to a fine mesh strainer and rinse off the salt under cold running water while tossing the eggplant with your hands. Press out any excess water, spread the eggplant in a single layer on a baking sheet, and pat dry with paper towels.
3Combine vinegar and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add eggplant and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let eggplant stand in vinegar for 10 minutes.
4Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Transfer to a 1-quart container with a tightfitting lid. Let cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate at least 3 days before serving.

Load Comments

Recommended from Chowhound

The World's Fastest Pumpkin Pie

(03:07)

Video from Holidays

Chef Jansen Chan's pumpkin pie hack lets you make one from scratch in less then 30 minutes. Who wants to spend time making pie crust, when you can be enjoying Friendsgiving? With The International Culinary Center