Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions

Trader Joe's Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions is an unexpected delicacy. Upon tasting it, we were enchanted by the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the smooth, almost squash-like eggplant flavor that came to life amidst the bright, savory-sweetness of the tomatoes and onions. Our tasting panel was taken by surprise—these wondrous, not-at-all-bitter eggplants really came from a can? Really? Really.

Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions is made for us in Bulgaria, where the eggplant is grown, by our famed Greek Dolmas producers. (They have a production facility in that Southeastern European country, so the eggplant can be cooked immediately upon harvest from the fields.) Whole, long, narrow eggplants—har- vested at the height of the season—are split in half lengthwise and stewed in a rich, flavorful “sauce” of tomatoes and onions. Seasoned with parsley, garlic, red pepper and curry powder, and canned with soy oil, the gently- flavored, purple fruits of the nightshade family blossom with seductive, Mediterranean essence.

The eggplant halves unfurl from the can, impressively intact. Place them on a plate for a ready-to-enjoy (room temp or warmed) edible. Serve them as a side to roasted lamb and rice, or as a salad with fresh green bell peppers and feta. Broil with a little cheese and coarsely chop to create a delicious and unique pasta topping.