TJ's Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions is an unexpected delicacy. Upon tasting it, we were enchanted by the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the smooth, almost squash-like eggplant flavour that came to life amidst the bright, savoury-sweetness of the tomatoes and onions. Even TJ's tasting panel was taken by surprise—these wondrous, not-at-all-bitter eggplants really came from a can? Really? Really.

Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions is made for TJ's in Bulgaria, where the eggplant is grown, by their famed Greek Dolmas producers. (They have a production facility in that Southeastern European country, so the eggplant can be cooked immediately upon harvest from the fields). Whole, long, narrow eggplants—harvested at the height of the season—are split in half lengthwise and stewed in a rich, flavourful “sauce” of tomatoes and onions. Seasoned with parsley, garlic, red pepper and curry powder, and canned with soy oil, the gently-flavoured, purple fruits of the nightshade family blossom with seductive, Mediterranean essence.

The eggplant halves unfurl from the can, impressively intact. Place them on a plate for a ready-to-enjoy (room temp or warmed) edible. Serve them as a side to roasted lamb and rice, or as a salad with fresh green bell peppers and feta. Broil with a little cheese and coarsely chop to create a delicious and unique pasta topping.