Eggplant, like a tomato hang on a vine that grows around 1 metre tall. They come in many different sizes and colours but the most common grown locally are the pear/egg shaped ones with a deep purple colour. There taste and texture are all very similar. They should be firm and of good weight and there stems should look fresh. This is one vegetable that you want to make sure it is cooked well. A half cooked eggplant is not a nice thing to eat. People can be a little scared to try eggplant or even buy and bring one home. I have found the best way to get the kids to try and enjoy eggplant is crumbed and pan fried (Parmigiana Style) Or try 1 cm dice in a curry, eggplant is great at taking on the flavour of a dish like this. Another great way to try Eggplant is cut 2cm slices then slice 3mm deep trellis pattern into them on both sides. Then shallow fry them in about 2cm of Cotton seed oil. Drain and while still warm marinate them in ginger, garlic and equal parts of lime juice, mirin, soy & sesame oil. Serve with a grilled piece of your favourite fish.
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