Andy Montoya
Eggplant, or aubergine, is a versatile ingredient that can be steamed, fried, grilled, roasted, or pickled. It is often used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes. One popular way to cook eggplant is to stuff it with various fillings, such as minced meat, mushrooms, or vegetables. Another way to enjoy eggplant is to slice it and bake it with cheese, such as Parmesan. While Parmesan is a popular choice, some recipes call for brie cheese, which is a soft, delectable cheese that originated in the Brie region of France. Brie has a mushroom-y, earthy flavor and is said to pair well with fruits like apples, grapes, and pears, as well as nuts like walnuts and pecans. So, the next time you're looking for a new way to enjoy eggplant, why not try pairing it with brie cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brie cheese and eggplant recipes | Broiled eggplant with tomatoes, caramelized onion, and brie |
| Eggplant, roasted red pepper, and brie pasta | |
| Eggplant and brie cheese pasta gratin | |
| Baked eggplant with brie and polenta | |
| Brie cheese pairings | Fruits: apples, grapes, pears, figs, avocado, kiwi, cantaloupe, berries |
| Bread: French baguette, multigrain crackers | |
| Cold cuts: prosciutto, soppressata, salami | |
| Roasted garlic, olives | |
| Nuts: walnuts, pecans |
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What You'll Learn
Brie and eggplant pasta
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Brie cheese
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion
- Bacon
- Breadcrumbs
- Tomato pasta sauce
- Basil (optional)
- Walnuts (optional)
- Parsley (optional)
Method:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 200°C. Slice the eggplant diagonally to 0.5cm thick. Place the eggplant in a pan heated over medium heat and sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake until golden brown.
Next, prepare the pasta according to the packet instructions. Boil the penne for about 8 minutes in salted water. Drain and set aside.
In a separate pan, stir-fry the bacon and onion. Then, add the cooked pasta, and tomato pasta sauce, and stir-fry over medium heat for about 1 minute.
Now it's time to assemble the dish. Place half of the roasted eggplant in a gratin dish, followed by the pasta, and cover with the rest of the eggplant. Place the brie cheese and breadcrumbs mix on top and bake in the oven for 7 to 8 minutes until golden brown.
You can garnish the dish with walnuts and parsley if desired.
This recipe is a creative and indulgent way to enjoy the classic combination of brie and eggplant. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a winter evening.
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Brie and eggplant with tomatoes
Eggplant, or aubergine, is a versatile ingredient that can be steamed, fried, grilled, roasted, or pickled. It is often used as a vegetarian substitute for meat due to its texture and shape, which lends itself well to being stuffed.
One creative way to prepare eggplant is to pair it with brie and tomatoes. This combination can be used to make a delicious pasta gratin. To make this dish, start by slicing the eggplant and brie to 0.5 cm thickness. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake them in the oven until golden brown. Boil penne pasta and stir-fry bacon and onion in a pan. Add the pasta, tomato pasta sauce, and baked eggplant slices to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat. Finally, layer half of the roasted eggplant slices in a gratin dish, followed by the pasta mixture, and then the remaining eggplant slices. Cover with the brie cheese and breadcrumbs mix and bake in the oven until golden brown.
Another option for a brie, eggplant, and tomato dish is to make broiled eggplant slices with a tomato and onion-basil mixture, topped with melted brie. To make this dish, slice the eggplant, tomatoes, and onion into thin rounds. Arrange the eggplant slices on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and broil in the oven. Top each eggplant slice with a slice of tomato, followed by the onion-basil mixture, and then the sliced brie. Broil for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving, garnished with walnuts and parsley if desired.
The combination of brie, eggplant, and tomatoes creates a rich and flavourful dish that can be served as a starter, main course, or even a late-night snack. It is also a healthy option, providing various nutrients and antioxidants.
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Baked eggplant with brie
Eggplant is a versatile ingredient that can be steamed, fried, grilled, roasted, or pickled. It is often used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes. Its shape also makes it perfect for stuffing.
One popular way to prepare eggplant is to bake it with cheese. This combination of baked eggplant and cheese can be adapted in numerous ways, depending on your creativity and preferences. For example, you can stuff the eggplant with various fillings, such as minced meat, mushrooms, cereal, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of good-quality olive oil, plus additional oil for basting the vegetables
- 1 large (about 1 lb.) Vidalia onion, sliced into thin rings
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Splash of balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ lb. eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 1 lb. ripe tomatoes, seeded and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ lb. Brie, rind removed and thinly sliced
- Toasted chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet:
- Preheat the oven broiler according to the manufacturer’s directions. Move the top oven rack so it is approximately 6 inches away from the broiler flame.
- Lightly oil a large cookie sheet with olive oil.
Prepare the eggplant:
- Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Allow the eggplant to "sweat" for about 20 minutes. You will see beads of moisture appear.
- Blot the eggplant dry with fresh paper towels.
Assemble and bake:
- Top each eggplant slice with a slice of tomato, followed by the onion-basil mixture, and then the sliced Brie.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for about 10 minutes.
Serve:
- Transfer the slices to a serving platter.
- Garnish with walnuts and parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your baked eggplant with Brie! This dish is not only tasty but also healthy and visually appealing, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Eggplant and brie combinations
Eggplant and brie is a combination that works well in various dishes, from baked creations to pasta gratins. Here are some ideas for combining these two ingredients:
Baked Eggplant with Brie
One option is to bake eggplant slices and top them with other ingredients, including brie. For instance, you can create a dish with broiled eggplant, tomatoes, caramelized onions, and brie. Start by sweating the eggplant to reduce acidity. Then, top each slice with a tomato, followed by an onion-basil mixture, and finish with thinly sliced brie. Bake until the cheese melts, and garnish with walnuts and parsley if desired.
Stuffed Eggplant with Brie
Eggplants are perfect for stuffing due to their shape. While they can be stuffed with various fillings, such as minced meat, mushrooms, or vegetables, you can also create a unique combination by stuffing them with aromatic cheese, such as brie, and other ingredients like tomatoes. After stuffing the pre-baked eggplant halves, return them to the oven to bake further and blend the flavours.
Eggplant and Brie Pasta Gratin
For a heartier dish, you can combine eggplant and brie in a pasta gratin. This recipe includes roasting eggplant and other vegetables, including onion, garlic, and roasted red pepper, and then tossing them with cooked pasta and brie cheese to create a sauce. Finally, serve the dish with crusty bread and Parmesan cheese. Another variation of this gratin involves layering roasted eggplant slices with breadcrumbs and brie cheese in a baking dish and baking until golden brown.
Other Brie Combinations
While eggplant and brie create a delicious pairing, you can also experiment with additional ingredients to enhance the flavour profile. For instance, you can add bacon, walnuts, or pecans to the dish. Additionally, consider serving eggplant and brie dishes with a side of roasted crushed garlic or pairing them with fruits like apples, grapes, or pears.
These suggestions showcase the versatility of eggplant and brie combinations, offering a range of tasty and creative culinary options.
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Brie and eggplant history
The history of brie cheese and eggplant involves a journey across different continents and cultures, eventually bringing these two ingredients together in delicious culinary harmony.
Brie Cheese
Brie cheese, a soft-ripened cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor, has its origins in the historical region of Brie in northern France. The cheese gets its name from this region, which is located just east of Paris and is known for its lush pastureland, ideal for dairy farming. The exact origins of Brie cheese are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been first produced during the Middle Ages by monks at the monastery of Rueil en Brie. Over time, Brie gained a reputation as the "King of Cheeses," with a bold and rich flavor that delighted royalty and commoners alike. In 774, the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne visited the monastery and enjoyed the cheese so much that he arranged for regular deliveries to his capital, Aachen. In the centuries that followed, Brie continued to be a favorite among French royalty, with King Philip II Augustus gifting 200 wheels of Brie to his courtiers in the New Year of 1217.
Eggplant
The eggplant, also known as aubergine in British English and many other languages, has a more complex and global history. While it is believed to be native to the Eurasia region, with wild varieties growing in South Asia and Africa, the plant was introduced to other parts of the world through trade and cultural exchange. The Persians brought eggplant to Africa around the 7th and 8th centuries during Muslim expansion into Europe, and Arab traders introduced it to Spain during this period. The Greeks and Romans were also aware of eggplant but did not fully incorporate it into their cuisine until this time. The name "aubergine" itself comes from the French word for eggplant, which ultimately stems from the Sanskrit "vātiga-gama," meaning "the plant that cures the wind." Over time, eggplant became a staple in various world cuisines, known for its versatility and ability to absorb flavors.
A Delicious Combination
The combination of brie and eggplant brings together two ingredients with rich historical and cultural backgrounds. While the exact timeline of when they were first paired is unclear, the versatility of eggplant and the complementary nature of melted brie make them a natural fit in recipes like baked eggplant with cheese and broiled eggplant with tomatoes and brie. The creamy texture and mild flavor of brie enhance the eggplant's ability to absorb flavors, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Thus, the history of brie and eggplant spans continents and centuries, showcasing the cultural exchange that shaped their individual journeys and their ultimate combination in modern cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a delicious broiled eggplant with tomatoes, caramelized onions, and brie. Another option is to make an eggplant and brie cheese pasta gratin.
Brie cheese is a soft, delectable cheese that originated in the Brie region of France. It is known for its earthy and mushroomy flavour. Eggplants, on the other hand, are versatile and can be used in various cuisines. They can be steamed, fried, grilled, roasted, or pickled.
Yes, you can add tomatoes, onions, basil, and walnuts to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. You can also experiment with different types of bread or crackers to complement the creaminess of the brie cheese.
