Description
This eggplant caviar recipe is Turkish style, creamy and smoky. It’s terrific for appetizers or entertaining in the warmer months.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 1/2 lemon juice
- 1/3 cup (150 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 Olives, pitted and halved
- 2 Tbsp Parsley, chopped
- 1 Tbsp Dill, chopped
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- Flatbread
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplants
- Roast the Eggplants:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until the skin is charred and the inside is soft.
- Alternatively, you can roast the eggplants by rotating them over a low flame on the stove until the skin is charred and the inside is soft.
- Peel and Prep the Eggplants:
- While the eggplants are still warm, hold them by the stem and peel off the skin.
- Remove the stem and discard any parts that contain a majority of the seeds.
- Transfer the peeled eggplants to a deep bowl.
Make the Eggplant Caviar
- Mash and Season:
- Gradually add the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to the eggplant while mashing it with a fork until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cool the Mixture:
- Allow the eggplant caviar to cool to room temperature.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
- Once cooled, transfer the eggplant caviar to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, dill, pitted and halved olives, and chopped tomato.
- Serve:
- Serve the eggplant caviar with flatbread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Roasting Method: Roasting the eggplants on an open flame gives them a smoky flavor, while oven roasting makes the process easier and less messy.
- More Smoke: Roast the eggplants on a charcoal grill, or smoke in a smoker for additional depth of flavor.
- Texture: For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor instead of a fork to puree the eggplant.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can also be served as a dip with pita chips or as a spread on sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0g