Eggplant recipes offer versatile vegetarian cooking options

Various eggplant-based recipes highlight versatile ways to prepare the vegetable, including traditional Neapolitan 'melanzane a funghetto' and vegetarian eggplant meatballs.

'Melanzane a funghetto' can be prepared in an air fryer for a lighter version of the classic dish. The name refers to the diced shape of the eggplant, which mimics the texture of sautéed mushrooms. This dish can be made 'al verde' with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or with tomato sauce. To prevent bitterness, eggplants should be salted and rested for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Eggplant meatballs serve as a vegetarian alternative to meat, offering a soft interior and crispy exterior. They can be baked or air-fried for a lighter option, or traditionally fried. The preparation involves cooking softened eggplant pieces, mashing them into a puree, and mixing them with ingredients such as stale bread, eggs, parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley.