Food & Receipts

Savory and Tangy Pickled Eggplants: Indulge Without the Darkening Effect

Sweet and sour tomato pickles are a beloved preparation to add some tang to your summer meals. However, to make crunchy, delicious pickled tomatoes that are free from spoilage and discoloration, you will require a few secrets.

Administrator

3 May, 2024

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Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Pickled Eggplants:

– 1kg white, crispy variety of eggplants
– Salt for soaking the eggplants, 1 lemon

Seasonings for Sweet and Sour Pickled Eggplants:

– 100gr fresh galangal, 2 garlic bulbs, 30gr fresh ginger, 6 chili peppers
– 200ml fish sauce, 200gr sugar, 100ml vinegar, and 100ml lime juice (key lime)
– 1 tablespoon of chili sauce

Instructions for Sweet and Sour Pickled Eggplants:

Keep the eggplants exposed to light to reduce moisture, preferably under direct sunlight. Then cut off the stems and slice the eggplants as desired.

As you slice the eggplants, immediately submerge them in a bowl of water with lemon juice and salt (use 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and 1 lemon). Allow the eggplants to soak for 30 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly 4-5 times until the water runs clear.

Boil a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and lime juice (remove the seeds) and allow it to cool.

Pickled eggplants have a vibrant red color and a combination of flavors from the different ingredients

Pour the eggplants into a clean glass jar. Then add 100gr of fresh galangal, 2 peeled garlic bulbs, 30gr of fresh ginger, and 6 finely ground chili peppers. Add 1 tablespoon of chili sauce. Note that the chili sauce should be added directly to the jar with the eggplants, not mixed in with the other ingredients.

Finally, pour in the cooled, boiled mixture of fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and lime juice. Mix well. The Sweet and Sour Pickled Eggplants can be consumed in 30 minutes to an hour. However, the flavor will be enhanced if the eggplants are left in the jar for a day before eating.

For immediate consumption, add kaffir lime leaves or dip with shrimp paste sauce

Tips for Making Sweet and Sour Pickled Eggplants:

– You can choose not to boil the soaking mixture and add it directly to the eggplants. I prefer to boil it for safety.
– To prevent the eggplants from darkening, it is essential to use lemon juice and salt. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the sap. When you add the eggplants to the soaking mixture, make sure they are completely submerged. Allowing the eggplants to wilt will also help reduce sap content.
– Finding the right variety of crispy eggplants is perhaps the most important factor in achieving a crisp texture.
– Sliced kaffir lime leaves, similar to pickled acacia flowers, add a touch of interest. You can also substitute lemon juice and vinegar with kumquat juice, which enhances the aroma and adds a more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions

The secret lies in the combination of spices and ingredients used in the brine. The key ingredients are vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of sweetener. These ingredients work together to create a balance of flavors that is both tangy and savory.

It is best to let the eggplants pickle for at least 3 days in the refrigerator before consuming. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the eggplants, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful treat.

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes used in the brine. For a milder version, reduce the amount or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Distilled white vinegar is commonly used for pickling as it has a neutral flavor and provides the desired tangy taste. However, you can experiment with different types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar to add subtle variations in flavor.

It is not recommended to store them at room temperature as it can compromise the safety and quality of the product. Always store your pickled eggplants in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2-3 weeks when properly stored.

Absolutely! This pickling method can be applied to a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peppers, onions, and cucumbers. Simply adjust the spices and ingredients to complement the vegetable of your choice.