Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in various ways. One of the easiest and most delicious methods is oven cooking. This method brings out the natural flavors of the aubergine and gives it a wonderful texture.

Step 1: Preparing the Aubergine

Start by selecting a fresh and firm aubergine. Wash it thoroughly and pat it dry. Next, cut off the stem and slice the aubergine into even-sized rounds or cubes. Sprinkle some salt on the slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out any bitter juices that may be present in the vegetable.

Step 2: Draining the Aubergine

After the 15 minutes, you will notice that some liquid has been released by the aubergine. Use a paper towel to blot the excess moisture. This step is crucial as it prevents the aubergine from becoming soggy during the cooking process.

Step 3: Seasoning the Aubergine

Transfer the drained aubergine slices or cubes to a mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle some salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Toss the aubergine gently until each piece is coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Oven Cooking

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the seasoned aubergine on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the aubergine is golden brown and tender.

Once the aubergine slices or cubes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy oven-cooked aubergine as a standalone side dish, or incorporate it into various recipes, such as salads, dips, or pasta dishes. Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your own flavorful twist on this simple yet delightful dish!

Prepare the aubergine

Before you can start cooking the aubergine, you need to prepare it properly. First, wash the aubergine under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the stem end of the aubergine and discard it.

Next, slice the aubergine into your desired thickness. If you prefer thinner slices, aim for about ¼ inch thickness. For thicker slices, go for about ½ inch thickness.

Salting the aubergine

After slicing the aubergine, you may want to consider salting it to remove any excess moisture and bitterness. To do this, sprinkle salt on both sides of the aubergine slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes.

During this time, the salt will draw out the moisture from the aubergine, making it less watery when cooked. After 30 minutes, rinse the aubergine slices under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the recipe.

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Wash and slice the aubergine

Before oven cooking the aubergine, it’s important to properly wash and slice it. Follow these simple steps to prepare the aubergine:

1. Washing the aubergine

Start by washing the aubergine under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin if needed. Make sure to clean the entire surface of the aubergine.

2. Slicing the aubergine

Once the aubergine is clean, you can proceed to slice it. Here’s a basic method for slicing an aubergine:

Step 1: Cut off the stem end of the aubergine using a sharp knife.

Step 2: Stand the aubergine upright on the cut end and slice it lengthwise into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Lay the slices flat on a cutting board and, if desired, further cut them into smaller pieces or shapes like cubes or sticks.

Remember to be cautious while handling the knife and always keep your fingers away from the blade. Once you have sliced the aubergine, it is now ready for oven cooking.

Season with salt and let it sit

Before cooking the aubergine in the oven, it is important to season it with salt. Salting the aubergine helps to draw out any excess moisture and can also improve the overall taste and texture. Here are the steps to season the aubergine:

  1. Start by washing the aubergine and patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Cut the aubergine into slices or cubes, depending on your preference.
  3. Sprinkle salt generously on both sides of each aubergine slice or cube.
  4. Place the salted aubergine slices or cubes on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
  5. Let the aubergine sit for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the salt to draw out the excess moisture from the vegetable.

After the aubergine has sat for the desired amount of time, you can rinse off the excess salt and pat it dry again before proceeding with the oven cooking method. Seasoning the aubergine with salt and letting it sit not only enhances the flavor, but it also helps to prevent the aubergine from becoming too soggy when cooked.

Preheat the oven

To oven cook aubergine, the first step is to preheat the oven to the desired temperature. This will ensure that the aubergine cooks evenly and thoroughly. Preheating the oven is an essential step in any oven cooking process.

To preheat the oven, turn the temperature dial or select the appropriate temperature setting on the control panel. Most recipes recommend preheating the oven to around 200°C (400°F) for cooking aubergine. However, be sure to check the specific recipe you are using for the recommended temperature.

While the oven is preheating, you can begin preparing the aubergine. Wash the aubergine under running water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Trim off the stem and cut the aubergine into the desired shape and thickness. Some popular options include rounds, slices, or cubes.

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Once the oven has reached the desired temperature and the aubergine is prepared, you are now ready to start cooking. Remember to always use oven mitts or oven gloves when handling hot dishes or pans from the oven.

Note: Preheating the oven is important as it ensures that the aubergine cooks properly and avoids any potential food safety risks. Additionally, preheating helps to maintain consistent cooking temperatures throughout the cooking process.

Set the oven temperature

Before you begin cooking the aubergine, it’s important to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Preheating ensures that the aubergine cooks evenly and fully. For oven cooking aubergine, the recommended temperature is 200°C (400°F).

To set the oven temperature, follow these steps:

1. Turn your oven on by pressing the power button.
2. Locate the temperature control knob or buttons on your oven.
3. Press and hold the temperature control knob or buttons until the display shows 200°C (400°F).
4. Once the desired temperature is set, release the knob or buttons.

It’s important to note that different ovens may have variations in temperature control methods, so make sure to refer to your oven’s user manual for specific instructions. Once the oven is preheated, you can proceed with cooking the aubergine according to your chosen recipe.

Wait for the oven to preheat

Before you start cooking the aubergine, you need to make sure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the aubergine cooks evenly and thoroughly. Preheating the oven is an important step that should not be skipped.

To preheat the oven, turn it on and set the temperature to the recommended setting. Typically, you will want to preheat your oven to around 200°C (400°F). Different ovens may take varying amounts of time to preheat, so be sure to consult your oven’s manual for specific instructions.

While waiting for the oven to preheat, you can prepare the aubergine by washing it thoroughly and cutting off the stem. You may also choose to slice the aubergine into desired thickness or leave it whole, depending on your preference.

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, it’s ready for you to start cooking the aubergine. Remember to use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot oven and aubergine.

Some tips for preheating the oven:

  • Make sure there are no obstructions inside the oven that could interfere with the preheating process.
  • Remove any racks or trays that you won’t be using for cooking the aubergine.
  • Double-check the temperature setting to ensure it matches the recommended temperature for the recipe.
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By patiently waiting for the oven to preheat, you’ll be setting the stage for perfectly cooked aubergine that is tender and full of flavor.

Cook the aubergine

Once your aubergine is prepared, it’s time to cook it in the oven. Cooking aubergine in the oven is a great way to achieve a soft and creamy texture.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.

Step 2: Cut and season

Cut the aubergine into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Place the pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the aubergine with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any other herbs or spices you like.

Step 3: Roast in the oven

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and roast the aubergine for about 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes soft and golden brown around the edges.

Remember to flip the aubergine halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Remove from the oven and serve

Once cooked, remove the aubergine from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it as a side dish, incorporate it into salads or sandwiches, or use it as a base for other recipes like baba ganoush.

Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked aubergine!

Q&A

What is the best way to oven cook aubergine?

The best way to oven cook aubergine is to first preheat the oven to 200°C. Then, cut the aubergine into slices or cubes. Toss the slices or cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the aubergine on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.

Can I bake aubergine without using olive oil?

Yes, you can bake aubergine without using olive oil. Instead of tossing the aubergine in oil, you can brush the slices or cubes with a light coating of vegetable oil or melted butter. This will help them to cook and brown in the oven.

What other seasonings can I use to flavour the oven cooked aubergine?

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour oven cooked aubergine. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and dried herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also drizzle a little balsamic vinegar or soy sauce over the aubergine before baking for added flavour.

How long does it take to oven cook aubergine?

The cooking time for aubergine in the oven can vary depending on the size and thickness of the slices or cubes. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook aubergine in a preheated oven at 200°C. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them and check for doneness using a fork or knife.