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Pulled aubergine

17/11/2023

“Pulled Aubergine” is a vegetarian alternative to the traditional “Pulled Pork”, where the meat is replaced with eggplants to create a “shredded” effect. Here is how to prepare it with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 crushed cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Barbecue sauce as needed (preferably homemade with tomato passata, vinegar, sugar, and spices)
  • Buns or focaccia for serving
  • Coleslaw for accompanying (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
  2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and score them deeply in a criss-cross pattern without breaking the skin.
  3. Brush the eggplants with some oil and sprinkle with salt.
  4. Place the eggplants in the oven skin-side up and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until they are very soft.
  5. Meanwhile, in a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in the remaining oil until they are translucent. Add the tomato paste, liquid smoke (if using), brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
  6. Once baked, remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, with the help of a fork, “shred” the flesh to create strands similar to shredded meat. Discard the skin.
  7. Add the shredded eggplant to the pan with the spice and onion mixture. Mix well so the eggplants are seasoned.
  8. Season with salt and pepper and add some barbecue sauce, just enough to get a moist mixture but not too liquid.
  9. Let everything cook together for another 5-10 minutes until the eggplants have absorbed all the flavors.
  10. If you wish, serve on buns or on a nice slice of warm focaccia, accompanied by a fresh coleslaw.

The vegetarian alternative allows you to enjoy a typical dish of American cuisine with what can be seen as a tribute to Italian cooking due to the use of ingredients like eggplants and extra virgin olive oil. A great way of combining two culinary cultures in a single dish!

Pulled aubergine