Boiled aubergines are delicious. They are even more delicious dried. In addition, aubergines are very easy to dry.
Admittedly, with her dark purple skin she looks a bit strange. Nevertheless, it tastes really great. We're talking about the aubergine, also known as the eggplant.
This is a nightshade plant, which more and more hobby gardeners are growing themselves and is mainly used in Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine. But aubergines also have many fans here, who not only use the vegetables fresh, but also dry them. After all, dried aubergines can be used in many different ways. In addition, the aroma intensifies as it dries and sets special accents in many dishes.
In order to refine dishes with dried aubergines, you don't have to buy them separately. After all, you can easily dry aubergines yourself in just a few simple steps. You have four options to do this. Which variant you choose is of course entirely up to you.
How to dry aubergines
You can dry aubergines in different ways. You can use a dehydrator or the oven, for example, or dry the aubergines outdoors or in a warm, dry place indoors. Depending on which method you choose, there are different points to consider.
Basically, the first step is the same for all methods: Cut the aubergines into thin slices, e.g. with a slicer or with the help of a food processor. Depending on the drying variant, you must then proceed as indicated.
❶ drying in the dehydrator:
Aubergines dry most easily in the dehydrator. To do this, place the slices on the inserts and set the machine to the specified temperature and duration, similar to the temperature for drying tomatoes. This should be around 42 °C.
❷ dry in the oven:
Drying takes a little longer in the oven. Still, this is a good way to dry eggplants. To do this, line a grid or baking sheet with baking paper and place the slices on itnext to each other (not on top of each other!). Then heat the oven to approx. 50 °C and let the slices dry overnight. However, it is important that you turn the slices regularly so that they can dry on all sides. If the panes are not completely dry, mold can develop.
Tip: You can also prepare delicious eggplant chips in the oven.
❸ drying outdoors:
If you prefer to dry your aubergine slices outdoors, you need a warm location that is safe from animals and also protected from the rain. Full sun is not good, because otherwise the panes will "fade" and many valuable vitamins will be lost.
Place the slices on a grid lined with parchment paper and turn them regularly. Depending on the location and temperatures, it can take up to 3 days for the slices to dry completely. It is best to always bring the rust into the house in the evening to avoid animal visits at night.
❹ dry indoors:
Warm, dry places in the house such as the attic or conservatory are also good for drying aubergines. It works best if you dry the aubergine slices hanging up. To do this, thread a thread through the middle of the discs and hang the discs on a clothesline or another taut cord.
Important:
With all methods, it is very important that you really let the slices dry completely. When all the slices have dried, you can store them in a screw-top jar and remove them in portions as needed.