Create a delightful and budget-friendly meal in only half an hour with Tortang Talong! This classic Filipino dish, which consists of grilled eggplants blended with fluffy eggs, is easy to make using simple ingredients. There’s no better side for your delectable omelette than some steamed white rice – the perfect combination for your taste buds’ delight. To make the eggplant easier to peel, it is grilled over smoky flavors until the skin chars. Then, it’s coated in beaten eggs and fried with sizzling hot oil until achieving a beautiful golden-brown color.
Also Read: How to Cook Filipino Chicken Sotanghon Soup
The Spanish term “torta” translates to flat cake, while the Filipino’s say “talong.” It is also sometimes referred to as Tortang Tagalog. This eggplant omelet has become one of my favorite ways of cooking aubergine – a delectable dish that will tantalize your taste buds! This delectable dish is a sheer delight! The exterior offers the perfect marriage of savory and crunchy, while the inner eggplant exudes an appealing sweetness that contrasts with its creamy texture. And when you dip each bite in copious ketchup, it’s no wonder why this meal is undeniably a winner!
This recipe is a basic version of tortang talong. To make it more substantial, you can add pre-cooked seafood, minced pork, or vegetables such as green peas, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes for added flavor and texture. From simple to grandiose, this Filipino-style omelet is a budget-friendly delight perfect for the whole family.
Filipinos often have this dish as their main course during breakfast or lunch, making it a staple in Filipino cuisine. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be savored with warm rice anytime of the day! After the tortang talong has been cooked to perfection, you will be greeted with an exquisite forkful of tender eggplant and a smoky flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Paired best with delectable eggs that are fragrant and crispy on the outside, this dish requires only minimal seasoning – however if you’d like something extra special as accompaniment, ketchup or hot sauce can provide the perfect kick! Don’t confine yourself to enjoying tortang talong only for breakfast – make it a part of your lunch, dinner, or even an occasional snack when you’re in the mood for something extraordinary!
Ingredients
- eggplants
- egg
- all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper
- tomato
- red onions
- vegetable oil
Steps to Make Tortang Talong or Eggplant Omelet
- Heat a pot of water to boiling. Prick small holes in the eggplant and immerse it for 5 minutes or until tender. Extract from the liquid, allowing time for cooling before peeling off its skin.
- To prepare your eggplants, split them in two lengthwise (stem included), or leave whole if they are small. Now use a fork to flatten the eggplant and make sure it is still attached to its stem.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan, then add garlic and onions. Cook until soft before adding ground pork. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture while stirring continuously for five minutes or until it is cooked through. Take off heat once done cooking, setting aside to cool afterwards.
- Gently beat the eggs in a bowl and then stir in the ground pork and flour until you have a smooth mixture.
- In a non-stick skillet or pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-low heat. Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the pan and spread it evenly enough for one piece of eggplant to cover. Place the eggplant on top so that its surface is flat against the mixture below and let it cook for two to three minutes until lightly browned underneath. Then carefully transfer it onto your plate!
- Generously season the pan with oil if necessary, then use a large spoon to scoop two or three tablespoons of your egg mixture and spread it evenly. Place an eggplant slice on top of the mix, ensuring that its top-side is facing downwards so as to create a pocket between both layers. Cook until lightly golden browned for best results.
- Follow this same process with the remaining eggplants.
- Enjoy this savory dish while it’s still hot, best served with steaming rice and a side of ketchup for dipping.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor and texture of your eggplants by pre-cooking them in a charcoal grill, baking pan, or directly over an open flame while delicately wrapped in aluminum foil. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during roasting.
- For an added smoky flavor, why not grill your eggplant? But if you prefer a softer texture, boiling is always an option!
- To amplify the flavors of this dish, dip it in a delectable sauce like soy sauce, calamansi or vinegar mixed with banana ketchup.
- To create a delicious omelette, start by removing the stalk of the eggplant and then pureeing it. Once you have your desired consistency, mix in with the omelette mixture!
- Craving vegan-friendly egg dishes? Just Egg is my go-to substitute, and can easily be made with squash, flour, and tofu!
- Enjoy your meal to the fullest by eating it right away; however, if you need to save some for later, this dish will remain fresh in the refrigerator up to 3 days. To warm it up quickly and easily, simply pop it into a microwave oven for one minute.
- No need to worry if you’re not able to peel or remove all the eggplant skin after roasting – a bit of remaining skin is perfectly fine!
- For eggplant grilling, you have a plethora of options available. Consider coating an outdoor coal grill with oil to prevent sticking; or if you prefer the traditional Filipino approach, roast directly over your gas stove’s open flame. You can also oven-roast at 350°F for fifteen minutes until it is soft and wrinkly and has slightly shriveled in size—an indicator that it’s cooked!
- Select eggplants with a glossy, unblemished exterior that is substantial for their size and consistent in color. Steer clear of those with wrinkling, imperfections, bruises or tan discolorations.
- Select small to medium-sized eggplants for the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. These smaller ones contain thinner skin, fewer seeds, and are less likely to be bitter than their larger counterparts.
- For the freshest eggplant, it is ideal to consume within 24 hours of purchase. However, if you need a few extra days, refrigerating your eggplant will extend its shelf-life up to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prevent my eggplants from sticking to the pan?
Generously season your pan with oil before adding in your egg mixture. This will prevent the eggplants from sticking and create a golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can use non-stick pans or skillets for an even better result.
2. Are there any vegan egg dishes I can make with eggplants?
Yes! For a delicious vegan-friendly dish, try using Just Egg or another substitute made from squash, flour, and tofu. You can also opt for a vegan version of the traditional Filipino recipe by leaving out the eggs altogether.
3. What is the best way to store eggplants?
To keep your eggplants fresh, it is best to store them in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. However, for optimal flavor and texture, consume within 24 hours of purchase. You can also freeze the raw eggplants for up to 3 months.
4. How can I tell if my eggplant is ripe?
A ripe eggplant should have a glossy, unblemished exterior with consistent color and no wrinkles or discolorations. Additionally, it should be slightly firm to the touch but yield quickly when pressed gently. If there is any doubt, it’s always better to select a smaller eggplant as they are less likely to be bitter.
5. How do I prevent my eggplants from becoming bitter?
Select small to medium-sized eggplants with a glossy, unblemished exterior for the best flavor. Avoid larger ones as they tend to be more bitter and contain more seeds. Additionally, salt your slices of eggplant before cooking to draw out any excess moisture that causes bitterness.
Summary
Eggplant has a unique flavor and texture that can be enjoyed in various dishes. To get the most out of your eggplants, select ones with glossy skin that are small to medium-sized for best results. Eggplants should also be consumed within 24 hours or refrigerated up to four days for longer shelf life. For an added smoky flavor, why not try grilling them? Finally, don’t forget to season generously and serve it warm with steaming rice or omelet mixture! With these tips in mind, you’ll have no problem creating delicious eggplant recipes at home!