The Overlooked Aubergine Trivia Quiz

Answer: Middle East

Moussaka is a layered casserole type of dish, though different regions have their own variations. It usually also contains minced meat. Apart from the eggplant which is sauteed, it may also contain peppers, onions and tomatoes. In Turkey, the dish is served along with a rice pilaf. In the Balkans, a top layer of custard is added.

Answer: Spread

The zacusca is a type of spread that is typically eaten along with bread. The main ingredient is the eggplant which is mostly roasted. Others include onions, tomato paste and peppers. It is generally prepared in large batches after the fall harvest and preserved to be eaten over a period of time.

Answer: No

Baingan bharta is a strictly vegetarian preparation. The eggplant is mashed and then grilled over the fire. Chilies and onions are added for taste and the dish is eaten along with breads like roti or naan.

Eggplants are more commonly referred to as brinjals on the Indian subcontinent.

Answer: Italy

The aubergine is shallow fried as a filling and then baked after adding layers of tomato sauce and cheese. The dish is believed to have originated in southern Italy with both Sicily and Campania claiming its creation.

Answer: Catalonia

Catalonia is an autonomous territory of Spain and consists of the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. The name escalivada comes from the word escalivar which means to cook in ashes. The dish is composed mainly of eggplant and bell peppers roasted in olive oil. Tomatoes and onions may also be added.

It is a versatile dish and is eaten as an appetizer, in a salad or as a topping.

Answer: Karniyarik

The Imam bayildi consists of an entire eggplant stuffed with onion, garlic and tomatoes. The dish is generally served cold. The karniyarik is a similar dish but the stuffing includes minced meat. Additionally, this dish is eaten hot.

Answer: Morocco

The zaalouk is typically served as a side dish and eaten along with bread. It consists of eggplants and tomatoes cooked in olive oil. Sometimes the eggplant is boiled or cooked before using it but the tomatoes are usually raw.

Answer: West Bengal

The eggplant is slit longitudinally and coated with batter before frying it. Beguni is commonly eaten as a snack along with tea. It is especially popular during the rainy season.

Answer: Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a vegetable stew originating in the French region of Provence. Each vegetable is sauteed and then layered to prepare the dish. While the eggplant may not be the main ingredient, it is often a part of the dish. Other ingredients include tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers and onions.

Answer: Baba ghanoush

While preparing baba ghanoush, the eggplant is typically broiled over a flame and then peeled so as to impart a smoky flavour to the vegetable. It is then mixed with onions and tomatoes in olive oil and seasoned for additional flavour. It is generally served as a dip along with pita bread.

Tombet is a traditional vegetarian dish comprising of potatoes, eggplants and bell peppers commonly eaten on the Spanish island of Majorca. Mirza Ghassemi is an Iranian dish which consists of eggplants cooked in a tandoor and served along with rice. Badrijani consists of a fried eggplant stuffed with a walnut paste and topped with pomegranate seeds. It is part of the cuisine of Georgia.