What initial step is required to draw out excess moisture and bitter compounds from sliced eggplant?
Answer
Sprinkling generously with salt and allowing it to sit for about 30 minutes
To prepare eggplant for cooking and mitigate its natural slight bitterness, a specific salting procedure is highly recommended. After washing, trimming, and slicing or cubing the eggplant, one should sprinkle it liberally with salt. This process should be allowed to continue for approximately 30 minutes. This duration enables the salt to effectively draw out both excess moisture trapped within the spongy flesh and some of the bitter compounds residing there, leading to a better final texture and flavor.
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