I don't know where I went wrong. Three years of high school French and one graduate school semester of reading French, and I can still barely string together an intelligible sentence. C'est terrible!
I have accepted the fact that a French pre-schooler could speak circles around me, but as long as I can say some words, like aubergine, I'm content.
Aubergine doesn't look or sound anything like its English counterpart "eggplant." But, oh, how I wish it did. Let's be honest, could there be a less appealing name than "eggplant"? I mean, it's not an egg or a plant. Plus, phonetically, it's just not pleasing; it's harsh and flat.
Aubergine, however, flows elegantly out of one's mouth. I daresay it's almost too attractive a word for the vegetable is signifies. (In botanical terms, an eggplant is actually a fruit, but it's cooked and eaten like a vegetable).
Fortunately I'm mature enough to look beyond such petty issues and appreciate eggplant's attributes. A heavy, firm, eggplant with a glossy purple-black skin borders on the regal. And its flesh, though just an unassuming off-white color, becomes enticingly rich and creamy when cooked. Like a chameleon, eggplant has the ability to transform itself: when grilled, it is appetizingly smoky flavored and tender; when fried, it is irresistibly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
My current favorite is Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade. (Here's how to make roasted red peppers.)
The wonderful charred flavor of the eggplant is only enhanced with a boldly flavorful tapenade of savory roasted red peppers, salty olives, and fragrant fresh herbs. Since the flavors of this tapenade improve with time, you can make it a day ahead, then bring it to room temperature before serving. It makes an ideal appetizer for a party since it's easy to assemble and makes an attractive presentation.
Grilled Eggplant with Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
Serves 8
2 medium eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 16-20 slices)
enough olive oil for brushing each slice on both sides
Tapenade:
1/2 cup finely chopped homemade roasted peppers (or bottled peppers)
1/2 cup finely chopped mixed olives (such as Kalamata and Cerignola)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 heaping tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, oregano, and parsley)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt, to taste
Garnish:
4 tablespoons feta or goat cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
additional herbs, for optional garnish
extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Mix all of the tapenade ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. (This can be made a day ahead.)
Preheat a grill to high. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush olive oil on both sides of the eggplant slices. Grill the eggplant for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until grill marks form and the flesh becomes tender.
Place eggplant slices on a serving dish and top each with a dollop of tapenade. Sprinkle with cheese, toasted pine nuts, and additional herbs. Just before serving, drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil.
Note: If you don't have a grill, then you can broil the eggplant slices in the oven instead.
Susan Russo is a free lance food writer in San Diego, California. She publishes stories, recipes, and photos on her cooking blog, <Food Blogga and is a regular contributor to NPR’s <Kitchen Window. She is also the author of Recipes Every Man Should Know