July 29 - August 4
Eggplant
Eggplants are another example of a food we use as a vegetable but, botanically, it’s a fruit. The seeds of the plant can be found in the middle of the eggplant and it’s formed from the pollination of a flower, an eggplant blossom, if you will. Eggplants are also a part of the Nightshade family of plants, which means they possess health benefits but can also be sensitive to some people. The dark purple color of eggplant can be attributed to the pigment, anthocyanin, which has anti-oxidant properties. Eggplants also provide fiber and has been linked to lowering blood sugar. The classic eggplant parmesan is delicious but it’s a lot of work. There are so many different varieties of eggplant and so many interesting ways to prepare it, including an eggplant burger, where you cook and mash the eggplant and transform it into a burger. Pretty interesting, right?
Eggplant Tacos
Ingredients
I medium eggplant, diced (I leave skin on but you can peel, if preferred)
I medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium tomato or handful of cherry tomatoes, chopped with juices retained
Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika
Salt & pepper
Preparation
1. Heat olive oil on medium heat in skillet. Add onions and peppers and saute for a few minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add eggplant and season with salt and pepper. Lower flame and cook until eggplant gets soft.
3. Add beans, tomato and spices. Mix and mash together, lower heat, cover, and cook for a few more minutes until well mixed and heated through.
4. Add to taco shell and top with favorite taco toppings: salsa, guacamole, lettuce, cheese, etc.
5. Enjoy!
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