Make Eggplant Waffles for a Charred Treat

I love eggplant, but I don’t like messing around with eggplant. I’m not a big fan of soaking and only salt half the time , not because I think I’m too good for it all, but because I’m lazy. Historically, my favorite way to cook eggplants is to fry them hot and quick on a sprinkle of salt , but my waffle maker has its eyes on the throne.

Eggplant in waffles is similar to grilled eggplant. The result is a beautiful pattern of dark brown markings with soft creamy flesh and a hint of charring. It’s great, it’s easy, it’s the perfect weekday side dish.

Cooking vegetables in a waffle iron is a clutch anyway. You don’t have to turn on the oven or take out the burner, and the small machine doesn’t use much energy or generate much heat. The plates cook food on both sides, so there is no need to turn them over and the whole process takes a few minutes at most.

How to make eggplant waffles

Preparing eggplant for a waffle iron is easy. Set the iron to high, cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch boards (peel them if you like) and brush the sides with olive oil (it will soak in right away, but that’s okay). Sprinkle both sides with salt, then place in the center of the waffle iron and close the lid.

At first it won’t close completely. Gently press down on the top of the waffle maker about every 10 seconds, being careful not to force it until it closes completely. Cook for 2-3 minutes until eggplant is browned and soft. (If it sticks at all when you try to remove it, use a wooden chopstick to loosen it.)

In terms of finishing, the combination of oil, allium and herbs is sure to please, and a few additional suggestions were made by A. A. Newton a few years ago:

• Sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onion, gochujang and rice vinegar
• Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, capers, olives and parsley
• Peanut butter, fish sauce, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, cilantro and crushed peanuts
• Yogurt, olive oil, dill, lemon juice and garlic
• Homemade chili oil , soy sauce, chinjiang vinegar and sesame seeds
• Olive oil, chopped ripe tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar

A small sauce or paste made with labneh, lemon juice, and zaatar also works, or you can layer them on a sandwich or break them into the sauce. (I did such a dip last night in a haze after the gym and a vape pen and I think it worked well .)