Savor Local Produce: Eggplant and a Provencal Ratatouille Recipe!

Savor Local Produce: Eggplant!

If you have been following me on my Insider’s Community Ezine, Facebook or Instagram, you know that I am a huge fan of local, seasonal produce! One of my favorite excursions is to my local farmer’s market to pick up a wealth of fresh locally-grown organic veggies! While summer may be winding down and transitioning into fall, there is still a bounty of delicious fresh, local food to be found at the farmer’s market. Eggplant is abundant at this time of year at my local market and has a wealth of delicious benefits!

Eggplant

Eggplant or aubergine comes in a variety of colors ranging from white to green to deep purple. It is packed with phytonutrients which soak up free-radicals in the body, protecting us from oxidative stress. Choose shiny, firm eggplants with the fuzzy green cap tightly attached. The flesh should give a bit when pressed gently and the skin should be smooth and shiny without wrinkles. 

You can season this versatile veggie in a variety of ways. Try using it instead of lasagna noodles for a grain-free alternative to this classic Italian favorite. Or saute it with Moroccan spices. Eggplant is also great when sliced and grilled.  

A classic way to utilize late-summer veggies such as eggplant is in a traditional Provençal Ratatouille. Ratatouille was invented by Provençal peasants and melds the flavors of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell pepper, onions, and garlic. Because they veggies cook at different rates, a few simple steps ensures each is presented in its optimal state. 

This hearty Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan dish can be eaten on its own or used to top some gluten-free pasta, atop chicken or eggs or combined with lentils or beans for a filling meatless meal! The leftovers are also delicious and a great addition to your non-toxic lunchbox 🙂

How do you enjoy eggplant? Do have a favorite recipe for enjoying eggplant?

If you enjoy this Simple | Pure | Whole^TM recipe and want more allergy-friendly healthy options, check out my Glorious Greens for Great Health virtual workshop and cookbook and these free Simple | Pure | Whole^TM recipes! If you have not already joined, I would love to have you as part of my free Insider’s Community where you will receive wellness resources, news and opportunities along with a special free gift! Get your FREE Chapters from The Whole Cure and purchase your copy of the paperback or Kindle edition today on Amazon!

This post was shared with: Motivation Monday, Meatless Monday with Tina Muir and Confessions of a Mother Runner, Tuesday’s Table, Two Cup Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Summer Family Fun Party, Create & Share DIY Recipe Party, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Allergy-Free Wednesday, Crafty & Delicious Party, Full Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Gluten-Free Friday, Weekend Retreat, Real Food Friday, Friday Five Features, Healthy Happy Green & Natural Party