Welcome to the new edition of our column #ZeroSprechiincucina, created to transform waste into valuable ingredients for new recipes. We often throw away parts of vegetables that, instead, can be recovered and enhanced in the kitchen, helping us to reduce food waste. The less-used parts of vegetables are in fact rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals that are essential for our well-being.
Are you ready to discover today's featured ingredient? 🥁
Eggplant peels
Eggplant peels are a source of fiber, which helps improve digestion, and also antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage.
Eggplant peels help reduce cholesterol levels and are a source of potassium, a mineral that can keep blood pressure under control.
Eggplant flan with burrata and crispy peels
A simple yet impressive dish that turns every part of the eggplant into a taste experience.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 300 g of date tomatoes
- 100 g burrata
- 80 g of grated cheese
- 20 g of cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 anchovy fillet
- 1 sprig of thyme
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- seed oil for frying
- tomato sauce to taste.
- salt and pepper to taste.
Preparation
- Wash the eggplants and gently remove the skins, which you will keep aside.
- Wrap the pulp in aluminum foil and bake it in the oven at 180 °C for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil, cook the halved cherry tomatoes along with the poached garlic, anchovy, and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes. Keep aside.
- Take the eggplant pulp and mix it with eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, thyme, oil, salt and pepper.
- Grease 4 muffin cups, sprinkle them with breadcrumbs and fill them with the mixture. Bake at 180 °C for about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the peels into strips and fry them in seed oil until golden brown. Drain them on paper towels and salt lightly.
- Serve each flan on a spoonful of tomato sauce, complete with frayed burrata and crispy skins as garnish.
Want to try more Zero Waste recipes? Discover them here.