The Brand New Aubergine ‘Genie’
It is time to banish those 1980’s memories of soggy ratatouille (whilst waiting in anticipation for your dessert of Arctic Roll) and herald the aubergine for what it truly is….one of the most interesting vegetables to grow and eat! As a staple of many recipes in cuisines from Europe, Asia and North Africa, aubergines are one of the most versatile fruits for cooking, and they bring a taste of the exotic to your garden and kitchen.
The Burpee Europe team are happy to announce that they have a brand new variety for 2021, Aubergine ‘Genie’. ‘Genie’ is a very adaptable variety and can be grown in a large (35cm diameter) pot as well as in the soil or a grow-bag. It is a big purple WHOPPER and delightfully tasty too!
Aubergine ‘Genie’ is now available through Marshalls Garden and will continue to be available from them through 2021
The recipe below has been devised for Burpee Europe by the chef Valerie Hamelin, using the new Aubergine ‘Genie’, bringing a magical taste of delight to your dinner table!
North African inspired Aubergine Moussaka
4 to 6 people
Ingredients:
4 to 6 Aubergines – Genie (depends on the size)
1 tin chickpeas
2 tin chopped tomatoes
3 tbsp tomato puree
large onion
8 garlic cloves
2tsp smoked paprika
2tsp Harissa spice blend
2tsp Zaatar
Salt & cracked pepper
Vegetable stock (optional)
Fresh mint and coriander
Method:
Heat the oven at 190 degrees, cut the aubergines lengthways and score them with olive oil, salt & pepper and smoked paprika and bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
In a frying pan, add some olive oil, fry the onions until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook until its fragrant. Add the harissa spiced blend and the Zaatar, stir well.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, the drained chickpeas. And add the cubed cooked aubergines, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add vegetable stock if the mixture gets dry.
Serve immediately and enjoy with flatbread.
To serve:
Serve in a dish as an accompaniment with a minted yoghurt dip and flatbread
Tip:
This warming North African flavoured dish is perfect for an autumnal day
Burpee DO NOT sell direct to the consumer.
Seeds are available now from selected seed companies, please contact Fran at rabbitattackpr@gmail.com for supplier list.
Visit Burpee Seeds Europe website here : www.burpeeeurope.com