Aubergine / Eggplant

We seem to be able to grow really good aubergines here without too much difficulty. This year we are growing two varieties. The flowers of the aubergine are lovely with a soft shade of lilac and undulating petals, they really do bring a touch of early summer colour to the vegetable plot.

We rarely get problems with aubergines apart from delays in germination with cooler weather in spring. We normally grow about 10 plants which is more than enough. What we cannot use we will distribute to friends and neighbours although many of our neighbours are unfamiliar with this plant and really do not know what to do with it.

We use aubergine in many different ways including:

Thinly sliced and roasted with some oil, spread with basil pesto and rolled up (you can add an anchovy if you eat fish).

or...

Aubergine paté with garlic and oregano - diced, sautéed with salt pepper, garlic, oregano and garlic. Add a few table spoons of water to reduce the amount of oil, add stock cube and let it cook until soft, mash with fork and cool. Delicious on fresh bread.

or...

Vegetarian Moussaka with layers of lentils, potato, tomato and cheese sauce.

How do you eat yours?