Ken Morris, Cooking for Comfort: Eggplant: First of all, how did it get its name?

For centuries, Mediterranean cultures have relied on the eggplant as a substitute for meat.

Instead of cutlets of veal or chicken, they would slice the eggplant, dip it in flour, then egg, followed by bread crumbs and pan-fry.

Or, layer slices in a baking dish with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and tomato sauce for Eggplant Parmesan.