Eggplants

Whether you call these fruits eggplants, aubergines, or brinjals, one thing is for certain: they are cultivated worldwide and are considered staples in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cuisines, among others. They are nightshades and thrive in warm climates just like their tomato and pepper relatives. Eggplants are culturally significant for me and were on the dinner table regularly while I was growing up. As an adult, I have grown to appreciate them grilled, roasted, stuffed, pureed, stir-fried, and stewed. They have a meaty texture and can be a great meat substitute in many recipes and preparations.