Aubergine or Eggplant Salad 🥗
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Aubergine or Eggplant Salad, a vibrant dish that’s perfect for lunches or snacks. With its Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for any occasion. Bursting with healthy goodness and a touch of smokiness, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 305.2
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3 reviews)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3-4 | Aubergines |
| 3/4 | Olive oil |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Garlic clove |
| 1-2 | Tomatoes |
| – | Black olives |
| 1 | Green pepper |
| – | Vinegar |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature, around 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking the aubergines.
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Prepare the Aubergines:
- Wash the aubergines thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, place them on a baking pan and transfer them to the preheated oven.
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Roast the Aubergines:
- Allow the aubergines to roast in the oven for approximately one hour or until they become soft and tender. It’s essential to let the skin turn black during the roasting process to impart a delightful smoky flavor to the salad.
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Skin and Chop the Aubergines:
- Once the aubergines are roasted to perfection, carefully remove them from the oven. While they’re still hot, peel off the skin and chop the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Salad Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped aubergines with finely diced onion, minced garlic, sliced tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the salad with black olives for a burst of briny flavor, and add slices of green pepper for a colorful finishing touch. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- This Aubergine or Eggplant Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside roast meat for a hearty meal, or enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer before grilled or fried fish. However you choose to serve it, this salad is guaranteed to impress!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 305.2
- Fat: 27.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 7.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.6g
- Fiber: 8.3g
- Sugar: 6.7g
- Protein: 2.7g
Tips and Tricks:
- For added depth of flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint over the salad just before serving.
- If you’re short on time, you can roast the aubergines ahead of schedule and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Experiment with different varieties of tomatoes for unique flavor profiles. Cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes can add a colorful twist to this dish.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil – it not only adds richness to the salad but also helps to bind all the ingredients together.
Final Thoughts:
This Aubergine or Eggplant Salad is a celebration of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply craving a nutritious yet satisfying meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and prepare to impress your taste buds with this sensational salad creation!
