This vibrant and flavorful Grilled Eggplant Salad is a celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine, showcasing the smoky sweetness of grilled eggplant perfectly balanced with tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. It's a healthy and satisfying dish, perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a component of a larger mezze spread. The rich, smoky eggplant contrasts beautifully with the bright, refreshing elements, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This salad is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and available ingredients.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this Grilled Eggplant Salad is surprisingly simple to make. The key is achieving that perfect smoky char on the eggplant, which unlocks its full potential. Ready to experience the magic of this flavourful salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to create your own delicious and healthy Grilled Eggplant Salad.
Tools Needed
- Grill pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Baby eggplant
- Raisins
- Nuts
- Pine nuts: 1 tbsp
- Crushed pepper: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Other spices/herbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Grill and Prep
- Grill the baby eggplants until tender.
- Prepare the other ingredients. Note the use of raisins and nuts (amounts are unspecified).
- Once the eggplants are cooked, let them cool slightly.
Step 2. Chop and Combine
- Chop the grilled eggplants into bite sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped eggplants, raisins, nuts, pine nuts, crushed pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Step 3. Season and Dress
- Add 1 tbsp of pine nuts, 2 tbsp of crushed pepper to the salad.
- Add olive oil and vinegar to taste.
- Mix well.
Read more: Arabian Flame Grilled Fish (Samak Mashwi) Recipe
Tips
- The recipe mentions variations depending on regional preferences (Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Gulf countries). Adjust ingredients to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually meld better if made a few hours ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. What kind of eggplant is best for grilling?
Use a firm, globe-shaped eggplant. Avoid long, thin eggplants as they tend to be watery.
3. Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out herbs based on preference (parsley, mint, cilantro all work well). You can also adjust the spice level to your liking.
This healthy and flavorful Grilled Eggplant Salad is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Middle Eastern cuisine. Enjoy this versatile dish as a standalone meal or a delightful addition to your next gathering. We hope you savor every bite of this smoky, tangy, and refreshing salad!