LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2019

GLOBAL EGGPLANT

WHAT TO SERVE

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Tel Aviv-Style Sabich Sandwiches There are lots of

wonderful flavours going on in this dish, and a cider with a hint of berry and a dry character is terrific with all of them. Brickworks Ciderhouse Rosé Cider LCBO 625236, 473 mL, $3.50 Eggplant Chips with Tzatziki Creamy tzatziki and garlic need a dry wine to cut through the richness, and berry notes to balance fruit with zing.

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Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses Rosé VINTAGES 373985, $18.95

Eggplants are more varied than you’d imagine—from size to stripes to moody shades of purple.

1 Italian The workhorse of the group is also the variety most widely available in supermarkets. Big and bold, they go from parmigiano to caponata with ease.

2 Graffiti Noted for their show-off ebony markings, these do well sliced and fried, or roasted and split for a plant-based main.

3 Indian Small and oval with a creamy texture, these guys are great when spun into curries, grilled or roasted, because of their firmness.

4 Baby With a sweeter taste and more colour options (see: white, blush, purple, striated green), these wee ones are perfect fried and stuffed into sandwiches.

5 Chinese Thin-skinned, long and lean, these are the purple beauties used in your favourite saucy eggplant with garlic dish.

Crispy Italian Eggplant Salad

Pinot Noir is an extremely

food-friendly wine, so it’s ideal for this combination of creaminess, hearty crunch and lively tomatoes. Angels Gate Pinot Noir VQA LCBO 308486, $18.95

Shop, store and prep

For particularly large eggplants, it’s a good idea to salt them to remove bitterness. Just slice or cube, place in a colander and toss with salt. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry well before using.

Make sure your eggplants have glossy smooth skins with no blemishes, bruises or brown patches. Should be unwrinkled and heavy for their size.

Shop online for products.

Store in the refrigerator.

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AUTUMN 2019 FOOD & DRINK