Eggplant salad with mayonnaise

Eggplant salad with mayonnaise – a classic, flavorful recipe full of memories

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Who doesn’t love a well-made eggplant salad? This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion: from a light lunch to a dinner with friends. The eggplant salad is a traditional dish that brings together the intense flavor of roasted eggplants with the creamy texture of mayonnaise, creating an unforgettable taste.

Necessary ingredients:

For the eggplant salad:
- 1 kg eggplants (choose fresh, firm, and unblemished ones)
- 1 medium onion (preferably white or red, depending on your preference)
- salt and pepper, to taste

For the mayonnaise:
- 1 egg yolk (ideally fresh, at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for extra flavor and to prevent the mayonnaise from splitting)
- oil (about a coffee cup)

Decoration:
- green parsley leaves
- green or black olives
- halved cherry tomatoes

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the eggplants: Start by washing the eggplants under cold running water. Use a fork to prick them several times so that steam can escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.

2. Baking the eggplants: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the eggplants on a tray and put them in the oven. Let them bake for about 1 hour, or until they are completely soft. You will know they are ready when the skin becomes slightly blackened and the flesh is soft.

3. Cleaning and chopping the eggplants: Once they have cooled slightly, take the eggplants out of the oven and peel off the skin. Use a knife or a spoon to remove the burnt skin. Then, chop the eggplant flesh finely, preferably with a knife, to achieve a better texture.

4. Preparing the onion: Chop the onion finely and mix it with salt and pepper to taste. The onion adds extra flavor and crunch, balancing the creamy texture of the salad.

5. Preparing the mayonnaise: In a bowl, place the egg yolk and mustard. Using a whisk or an immersion blender, start mixing, gradually adding the oil until the mayonnaise becomes creamy and increases in volume. The oil should be added slowly, first drop by drop, then in a thin stream, to avoid splitting. If the mayonnaise becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water to adjust its consistency.

6. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped eggplants, onion, and prepared mayonnaise. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients. You can set aside two tablespoons of mayonnaise for decoration.

7. Decorating: Place the eggplant salad on a platter and garnish it with green parsley leaves, olives, and cherry tomatoes. These elements not only add color but also a fresh and appetizing taste.

8. Serving: The eggplant salad can be served either on toasted bread or as a side dish alongside meat or fish dishes. It is also delicious on a slice of homemade bread or as part of a platter of appetizers.

Useful tips:
- If you want a less bitter salad, you can let the eggplants sit for 30 minutes sprinkled with salt before baking, then rinse them.
- You can experiment with flavors by adding crushed garlic or chopped bell pepper to the eggplant mixture.
- A vegan mayonnaise can be made from soy milk and oil for an egg-free version.

Nutritional information:
The eggplant salad is rich in fiber and vitamins, with a moderate caloric intake. A 100 g serving of eggplant salad contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is an excellent choice for a light meal or snack.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of oil for the mayonnaise? Yes, you can use olive oil for a more intense flavor.
- What can I do if the mayonnaise splits? If the mayonnaise has split, you can try to fix it by adding another egg yolk and mixing again.
- How can I store the eggplant salad? The eggplant salad can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

This eggplant salad with mayonnaise recipe represents a traditional combination of flavors and textures that can bring a touch of nostalgia to every meal. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!