Berenjena Guisada or “Stewed Eggplant” from Alexandra C. Sanchez, MS, RD, LDN

“Berenjena Guisada” or “Stewed Eggplant” is one of the dishes Alexandra C. Sanchez, MS, RD, LDN, is adapting for Root’s Community Catering Program.  Alex is partnering with Root this winter to prepare culturally appropriate and nutrition-focused Latinx meal-designs for our Community Catering program.

 This relatively inexpensive and easy-to-prepare dish is a great way to enjoy a rainbow of vegetables in one meal or as a side to an entrée. Also, the rich flavor of this meal can be enjoyed warm or cold. This dish is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are compounds responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables and have a variety of surprising health benefits! 

Berenjena Guisada - Stewed Eggplant

Yield: 5 servings
Individual Portion: 1 cup  
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium eggplant (1 lb), diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled

  • 2 Tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced 

  • 2 medium bell peppers, diced 

  • 4 oz canned low-sodium tomato sauce

  • ½ cup reserved water from boiled eggplant

  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano

  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 

Directions:
1. In a large pot, bring ½-¾ pot water to boil – enough to be able to submerge diced eggplant. When water comes to a boil, add diced eggplant and two peeled garlic cloves and parboil about 7-10 minutes until eggplant is softened and not mushy. Once softened, turned off heat. Drain cooked eggplant and garlic, reserving at least ½ cup cooking water. Slice garlic cloves once cool enough to handle.

2. In a separate sauté pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers and cook stirring occasionally until onion is translucent and peppers softened, about 5-7 minutes. 

3. Add tomato sauce, ½ cup reserved water from boiled eggplant, cooked eggplant, garlic clove slices, oregano. 

4. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until sauce is a bit thickened and vegetables very soft. Add salt and black pepper as noted or to taste.

5. Add fresh cilantro to dish for garnish. Serve with cooked white or brown rice.

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