Eggplant Spread – Romanian Appetizer 🇷🇴
Description:
This traditional Romanian appetizer, known as Puttlajel or Patlagea Vana, is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. With its roots in Romania, it embodies the flavors of Eastern Europe, offering a unique culinary experience. Bursting with the rich aroma of roasted eggplants and savory onions, this spread is a delightful addition to any table. Whether you’re familiar with Romanian cuisine or eager to explore new flavors, this eggplant spread is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of spread
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Calories: 210.8 per serving
- Dietary Information: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy
- Keyword Tags: European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 2 onions
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 slices of white bread or pita bread
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). |
| 2 | Prepare eggplants: Wash the eggplants thoroughly and pat them dry. Then, wrap each eggplant individually in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. |
| 3 | Roast eggplants: Place the baking sheet with the wrapped eggplants in the preheated oven. Roast them until they become soft and the skin is charred, which usually takes about 1 hour. |
| 4 | Prepare spread mixture: Once the eggplants are roasted, carefully remove them from the oven. Unwrap the foil and allow them to cool slightly. Then, slice open the eggplants and scoop out all of the soft insides, transferring them to a large mixing bowl. |
| 5 | Combine ingredients: Using a fork, roughly chop the roasted eggplant flesh in the bowl. Add the chopped onions, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. |
| 6 | Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt or pepper if desired. |
| 7 | Serve: Spread the prepared mixture onto slices of white bread or pita bread, evenly distributing it. Serve the eggplant spread as an appetizer, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 210.8
- Fat Content: 6.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 1063.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 35.4g
- Fiber Content: 7.8g
- Sugar Content: 7.7g
- Protein Content: 5.4g
Serving Suggestions:
- Bread Options: Serve the eggplant spread on slices of freshly baked white bread or warm pita bread for a delightful appetizer experience.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill over the spread for a burst of color and flavor.
- Accompaniments: Pair the eggplant spread with olives, sliced cucumbers, or pickled vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired platter.
- Wine Pairing: Pair this Romanian appetizer with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a well-rounded culinary experience.
Recipe Notes:
- Storage: Store any leftover eggplant spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving again.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients such as roasted garlic, lemon zest, or chopped fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: You can roast the eggplants ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to prepare the spread. Simply proceed with the recipe when you’re ready to assemble and serve.
- Texture: For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor to blend the ingredients into a creamy spread. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or lemon juice if needed.
