Known as one of the members of the Solanaceae family, eggplant is a perennial plant that is rich in potassium and folic acid. The plant is also helpful in blocking free radicals as well as treating some diseases like high blood cholesterol. To enjoy dishes that include this vegetable, it is important to learn how to cook eggplant. Below are some of the easy-to-prepare recipes that use the vegetable as a key ingredient. These recipes are important to know the basic steps in the proper preparation of the vegetable.


Zesty Fried Eggplant



One of the easiest ways of cooking the vegetable is by frying it. To prepare this delicious and nutritious recipe, you need a medium size eggplant, two teaspoons salt, a cup of flour, a teaspoon of baking powder and two teaspoons Italian seasoning as the main ingredients. The other ingredients that will make the dish more aromatic and flavorful include a teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, two beaten eggs, 2/3 cup milk, a tablespoon of vegetable oil and two cups of cooking oil.


Peel the vegetable and slice into several portions. Put the slices in a small bowl and add the salt. Pour water in the bowl and soak for an hour. Drain water and dry the vegetable. Mix the remaining ingredients except cooking oil in another bowl. Stir the mixture until it thickens. Pour the cooking oil into the saucepan and heat the pan on medium fire. Heat the oil. Cover the vegetable with the mixture and deep fry. This recipe serves four to six people.


Roasted Eggplant and Tomatoes



The key ingredients in this enticing dish are two medium size eggplants and six medium size plum tomatoes. The recipe also needs a teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, two tablespoons extra virgin oil, two cloves garlic, eight basil leaves and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese.


Slice the vegetable and tomatoes into several portions. Brush a baking pan with olive oil. Place the vegetable and tomatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and season with basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Arrange the tomatoes and sliced vegetable in the pan. Place the baking pan in an oven that was preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 30 minutes to 45 minutes. Sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese. Remove the dish from the pan and arrange on a clean plate. Serve with a delectable side dish or a cup of cooked rice.

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