Purple eggplants are well suited for cooking methods such as grilling, pan frying, baking, broiling, sautéing, and roasting. They are popularly prepared by breading and frying and used as a meat substitute in pasta dishes, stir-fries, and burgers. They can also be slow cooked in stews and dishes with rice, meat, and vegetables. Purple eggplants pair well with tomatoes, squashes, peppers, stewed meats, grilled and baked fish, chicken, chickpeas, lentils, herbs such as basil, mint, cilantro, and parsley, as well as cheeses such as fresh cow’s milk and aged sheep’s cheese.
Eggplants will keep up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place.