Odessa Eggplant (Aubergine) Salad 🍆🥗
Description:
Indulge in the flavors of European cuisine with this delightful Odessa Eggplant Salad recipe! Perfect for lunches or snacks, this dish brings together the earthy richness of eggplant with the tanginess of tomatoes and the freshness of parsley. It’s a low-protein, low-cholesterol option that’s ideal for weeknights or whenever you crave a satisfyingly flavorful treat.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 55.3 per serving
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 4.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.1g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
30 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 30 minutes |
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Prepare Eggplant: Pierce the eggplant with a fork in several places and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 50 minutes, turning it midway through baking to ensure even cooking.
-
Cool and Peel: Once the eggplant is cooked through, allow it to cool for about an hour. Then, carefully peel off the skin and slice the eggplant lengthwise in half.
-
Drain and Slice: Drain any excess fluid from the eggplant and slice it into pieces.
-
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the eggplant pulp, onion, tomato, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
-
Refrigerate: Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Serve and Enjoy: When ready to serve, garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside pita bread triangles or cocktail rye bread for a delicious accompaniment.
-
Delightful Outcome: Your Odessa Eggplant Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! This flavorful dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty snack any time of day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this salad as a dip with crispy pita bread triangles or cocktail rye bread.
- Serve it alongside grilled meats or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful twist.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or mint for added freshness.
Tips:
- For a smokier flavor, you can grill the eggplant instead of baking it.
- Customize the salad by adding other roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
- Make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts:
This Odessa Eggplant Salad recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, its simplicity and deliciousness make it a winner every time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the irresistible charm of this Mediterranean-inspired dish! 🍽️✨