Creating an outstanding, culinary-chic entrée or appetizer is as easy as using IQF Eggplant from Van Drunen Farms (VDF).

Eggplant offers a mild, earthy flavor with a soft, meaty texture, making it perfect for soaking up liquids and acting as a vehicle for delivering flavor. Eggplant is used in cuisines all over the world, and now adding it to any dish is effortless with VDF's IQF Eggplant.

Offered in diced pieces and strips, both organic and conventional, IQF Eggplant is easily handled and stored. Plus, peeling eggplant can be difficult, but this product saves professionals steps as it is already peeled and cut to size. IQF Fire Roasted Eggplant also is available when a distinct smoky flavor is desired.

Eggplant is often enjoyed in Italian dishes; try using this ingredient for Eggplant Parmesan or vegetable-based lasagna. Use IQF Eggplant for high-end dishes like Caponata, a Sicilian cooked vegetable salad; or Ratatouille, a French stewed dish. For ethnic-inspired appetizers, use IQF Eggplant to make a creamy Baba Ghanoush with toasted pita points.

IQF Eggplant strips also can be lightly breaded and fried for a decadent finger food. IQF Eggplant is the perfect addition to vegetarian and vegan foods as the texture lends itself to meat-free dishes. Mix IQF Eggplant with bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli served over rice, for a stand-out vegetarian stir-fry. This ingredient is versatile, so it can be used in any dish—from soups to casseroles.

–Van Drunen Farms, www.vandrunenfarms.com.