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Bene Israel Quick-Pickled Eggplant

Cuisine Indian, Jewish, Middle Eastern
Keyword aubergine/eggplant, pickles
Servings 1 jar
Author Emily Paster

Equipment

  • 1 glass, seal-tight 1.5L jar, or the equivalent in smaller jars – sterilized

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized eggplants (aubergines), peeled and cubed
  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt I used Maldon sea salt
  • 2 cups (470ml) apple cider or pomegranate vinegar
  • 1 cup (236ml) white wine vinegar
  • 1 cup (236ml) water
  • 2 tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 pinch dried red chili flakes
  • 12 fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  • Begin by peeling and cubing your eggplant, tipping the chunks into a large sieve or colander and sprinkling generously with your salt. Stir the salt through with your hands, then allow the eggplant to sit over the sink or a bowl to drain for approximately 30 minutes, helping to remove excess moisture. During this time you can pick your mint leaves and peel and slice the garlic.
  • Once your eggplant has sat for 30 minutes it’s time to pickle! In a medium to a large pot over a high heat, add your vinegar, water, and sugar and bring to a boil. Add in your chunks of eggplant, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer away for about 5 minutes until the chunks are soft but still hold together.
  • Remove from heat then scoop the eggplant into your sterilised jar, dotting with slices of garlic and mint leaves throughout. Pour the brining liquid over the top, leaving a bit of room at the top but covering the eggplant completely. Allow to fully cool before popping into the fridge for the next 2-3 days to cure.
  • *Note – If you notice your garlic slices turning blue or green DON’T WORRY! This can happen sometimes during the pickling process due to the sulfur from the garlic coming into contact with both acid from the pickling and metals – either traces in water or from pots/pans etc. Unless your garlic is super old (in which case you shouldn’t really use it anyhow), it’s totally fine to eat- and even considered desirable in some cultures!