Ingredients
2 large aubergines (about 600–700 g)
1 glass of white vinegar (about 150 ml)
1 handful of fresh mint (about 10 leaves)
1 handful of fresh parsley (about 1 tablespoon chopped)
1 clove of garlic
3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Coarse salt to taste (to purge the aubergines)
Chili pepper (flakes or fresh, to taste)
Procedure
Cut and peel the aubergines
Wash the aubergines thoroughly and slice them thinly (about 2–3 mm). You can use a mandolin to speed things up.
Place them in a colander in layers, sprinkling each layer with a little coarse salt. Cover them with a plate and a weight (a bowl filled with water works well).
Leave them like this for 1 hour: they will lose the bitter water.
Prepare the marinade
In a large bowl, pour the white vinegar, the finely chopped garlic, the hand-torn mint leaves and the chopped parsley.
Add the extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of chili pepper, then mix well.
Squeeze and immerse
After an hour, take the aubergines and squeeze them gently with your hands to remove the excess water.
Add them to the marinade, stir well to coat them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours. If you can, leave them overnight: the flavor will be much more intense.
Conservation
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, stored in an airtight container.
You can also sterilize a glass jar and preserve them in oil (covering them completely), but only if you squeeze them well and use high-quality oil, so you can preserve them throughout the winter.
How to serve them
On a whole wheat bruschetta with a little crumbled feta on top
In a crunchy sandwich with hummus and cherry tomatoes
Alongside a plate of roast chicken or grilled tofu
Or… eat straight from the fridge, when no one is watching
Advice
If you don’t like garlic too strong, you can use half a clove or leave it whole and remove it before serving.
Like it tart? Add a few drops of lemon to the marinade.
One thing many people ask me: “But can you eat raw aubergines?”
Yes, and I can tell you with complete confidence: they can even be eaten raw, as long as you follow two basic precautions. I’ve been doing it for years (and my grandmother did too), and I’ve never had any problems.
The trick is all here:
First, I soak them in coarse salt for at least an hour: this not only removes the bitterness, but also draws out the excess water that makes them a bit heavy.
Then I let them marinate in the vinegar, along with the oil, herbs, and garlic: the acidity of the vinegar “cooks” the slices slightly, making them soft and safe to eat.
In short, they are not raw as if freshly cut: they are “marinated”, therefore softened, degreased and flavored, ready to be enjoyed even cold, with a slice of bread or in a sandwich.
The only precaution? Use nice, firm, ripe eggplants—no unripe green ones. And if you have a sensitive stomach, start with a small portion and see how it goes (but I tell you: they usually go down like a charm!).
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed to prepare raw marinated aubergines?
To prepare raw marinated aubergines you will need: 2 large aubergines, 1 glass of white vinegar, 1 handful of fresh mint, 1 handful of fresh parsley, 1 clove of garlic, 3–4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, coarse salt, chili pepper.
How do you preserve raw marinated aubergines?
Marinated eggplant can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also sterilize a glass jar and store it in oil, covering it completely, but only if you squeeze it well and use high-quality oil.