Summer, time for preserves and Sicilian-style aubergines in oil . Yes, because on the island, the tradition linked to the preservation of vegetables is strong and long-standing. After all, what could be better than opening a precious jar containing a taste of summer in the middle of winter?
Sicilian aubergines in oil are a perfect preparation for simple appetizers (especially within rich platters of cold cuts and cheeses ), as well as the starting point for delicious condiments for pasta or, finally, rustic side dishes with a strong flavor. Whatever use you want to make of them, the aubergines in oil with the Sicilian recipe give great satisfaction. But how to make them at home? There are at least two ways, one without cooking , the other with grilled aubergines . We offer them both. Here's how to proceed.
Sicilian aubergines in oil without cooking
The Sicilian aubergines in oil without cooking as well as a precious resource in the kitchen, are a perfect idea as a gift (especially inside the Christmas baskets). Here's what it takes.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of long aubergines
- white wine vinegar to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 hot pepper
- coarse salt to taste
- oregano to taste
- fresh mint to taste
- extra virgin olive oil to taste
Preparation
- Wash the aubergines well, dry them, peel them and cut them into sticks.
- Sprinkle them with coarse salt in a colander and let them rest overnight.
- Squeeze them and wash them under running water, squeeze them again and dry them with absorbent kitchen paper.
- Sterilize the jars very well and distribute the sliced garlic, a piece of chilli pepper, some oregano, some fresh mint leaves on their bottom and then a layer of aubergines.
- Continue to alternate the aubergines with the other ingredients almost to the brim. Pour a little vinegar and let it rest for 2-3 hours.
- Now pourolive oil (choose a good one!) over the aubergines until it is completely covered.
- Screw the caps tightly and let them rest for 2-3 weeks before enjoying them.
If, on the other hand, you don't want to wait any longer, you can always opt for the preserves available on Sicilyaddict. Any examples? These areaubergines in oil , Ciappa di Vulcano tomatoes in oil or Sicilian artichokes with mint in EVO oil .
Sicilian-style grilled aubergines in oil
In case you prefer to cook the aubergines in oil, you can grill them . Clean them, cut them into slices and grill them on a lightly oiled plate. Transfer them to a plate and salt them, then put garlic, oregano, mint and chilli pepper to taste on the bottom of sterilized jars, and continue alternating the vegetables with the sauce.
At this point, cover with plenty of oil until you reach the brim of the jars. Close them very well with the caps and place them in a saucepan wrapped in some kitchen cloths. Boil them for about 20 minutes, then let them cool inside overnight. Wait 2-3 weeks before consuming eggplants.
