Pickled Eggplant with Anchovies & Fresno Chile

Name: Pickled Eggplant with Anchovies & Fresno Chile
Yield: Makes about 2 qt [900 g]
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp plus 1 tsp kosher salt; 3 Tbsp plus 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp allspice; ½ tsp brown mustard seeds; 10 whole salt-packed anchovy fillets, halved lengthwise, boned, rinsed, and roughly chopped; 2 whole cloves; ½ tsp yellow mustard seeds; ¼ cup [60 ml] extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ lb [680 g] Japanese eggplant, halved lengthwise; 1 Fresno chile, or another medium-hot green or red chile, cut thinly into rounds; 1¼ cups [300 ml] red wine vinegar; 2 bay leaves; 3 cups [720 ml] water; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp black peppercorns; Kosher salt

Preparation info

Makes about
2 qt

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Gjelina

By Travis Lett

Published 2015

About

Of all the pickles we make, this might be my favorite. Grilling softens the eggplant, allowing it to absorb the brine more quickly, and it adds a smoky element. The buttery flesh turns almost custardlike after brining for a couple of days. The anchovies create an appealing and addictive umami effect.

Ingredients

Brine

3 cups [720 ml] water
1¼ cups [300

Americas
Europe
Italy
United States
Fish course
Pescatarian
Gluten-free
Venice
California
Mediterranean

Method

To make the brine

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, allspice, brown mustard seeds, yellow mustard seeds, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 20 to 30 minutes, then let cool to room temperature.

Once the liquid has cool